The sound of names being read out echoed across the Stanford quad, each one followed by a burst of applause. Caps and gowns filled the rows, a sea of anticipation under the California sun.
When my name was called, I walked across the stage with a confidence I'd never felt before. The diploma slid into my hand, and the dean shook it firmly, offering the congratulations that came with it.
Computer Engineering, Class of 2002.
The paper was symbolic, sure — but for me, it was more than that. It was a marker. An ending, and a beginning.
Ellie was waiting for me offstage, her face lit with pride. She ran to me, hugging me so tight I thought she'd never let go.
"My little brother is officially a Stanford graduate!" she said, her voice catching. "God, Chuck… I'm so proud of you."
I hugged her back, smiling softly. "Thanks, El. Couldn't have done it without you."
Behind her stood Devon, his arm draped comfortably around her shoulders, smiling his perfect smile. "Way to go, bro! Totally awesome. You're the real deal now."
I shook his hand. Devon had only been dating Ellie for a few months, but I already knew he'd be sticking around. He was exactly what she deserved — dependable, supportive, the kind of guy who made her happy.
And then a familiar voice cut through the crowd.
"Chuckster!"
Morgan pushed his way forward, grinning ear to ear, nearly tripping over his own gownless feet. He wasn't graduating, but he'd made the trip anyway, straight from Burbank.
I pulled him into a hug. "Morgan! You made it."
"Of course I did," he said, clapping me on the back. "You're looking at a soon-to-be culinary school graduate. One more semester and I'm done. Then it's chef hats and chopping boards, baby."
I smiled proudly. "I'm proud of you, little buddy. When I get back from my training for the firm, you're going to whip me up something delicious, okay?"
Morgan puffed up like a kid getting knighted. "You got it. First meal's on me."
Ellie pulled back, studying me with that big-sister gaze that saw more than I ever wanted her to. "You know, you're… different."
I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "Different how?"
"You went off to Stanford this awkward, shy guy, always nervous about what people thought. But now…" She hesitated, eyes softening. "Now you carry yourself like you know exactly who you are. You look… confident."
I smiled, slipping into the cover I'd rehearsed. "College changed me, El. But in a good way. I guess I finally found my footing."
She gave me a small, teasing smile. "I kind of miss the awkward nerd sometimes."
I laughed. "Don't worry, he's still here. He's just learned how to stand a little taller."
Devon wrapped an arm around her, grinning. "Still the most awesome brother-sister duo I've ever seen."
I hesitated for a moment, then said, "Actually… there's something I need to tell you guys."
Ellie's smile faltered, her protective instincts kicking in immediately. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," I reassured her quickly. "It's good news. I got a job offer."
Her eyes lit up. "Chuck, that's amazing! Where?"
I kept my tone careful, believable. "It's a consulting firm. Systems engineering, some math-heavy problem-solving. They want me to do some specialized training out of state. Six months to a year, depending on how fast I progress."
Ellie's smile wavered, worry slipping in. "Out of state? For that long?"
I placed a hand on her shoulder, steady and calm. "I'll keep in touch. Calls, emails, everything. You won't lose me, El. This is just… a big step. One I need to take."
Morgan chimed in, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, at least when he comes back, he'll be loaded with consulting money and I'll be a certified chef. Then we can finally open that 'Nerds & Noodles' restaurant idea we used to joke about."
Ellie laughed, wiping her eyes. "Only you two would come up with something like that."
I hugged her again, my voice soft but certain. "I promise, El. I'll always be me."
For her, the cover story was enough. She believed it. And that was all that mattered.
Because protecting her meant protecting this illusion.
And I was ready to play the part.