My heart dropped as I looked through the crowd at my graduation, realizing my parents were absent. When I uncovered the reason for their absence, I was struck with a chilling insight: I could no longer live under the shadow of their neglect. The decision I made next would alter the course of my life.

The day of my graduation was one I had eagerly anticipated. As I stood on stage, diploma in hand, I searched the crowd for my parents. Other graduates were surrounded by family, capturing the moment with photos and cheers. My parents, however, were nowhere to be found, and my heart plummeted. How could they miss this important day?

Following the ceremony, I called my mom in a panic. She picked up after the third ring.

“Mom? Where are you?” I asked, my voice shaking with a mix of worry and frustration.

“Sorry we couldn’t make it. Please forgive us. Come home quickly,” she replied before abruptly hanging up.

The drive home was agonizing, filled with a growing dread.

Memories of past attempts to gain my parents’ attention came flooding back, always overshadowed by my younger brother, Miles, who was always the center of their world because of his constant need for care and his troubles.

I rushed into the house shouting, “Mom? Dad?”

Silence. The house felt strangely quiet. On the kitchen counter lay a note. My hands shook as I read it.

Julia, we had to rush to the hospital. Miles had a seizure. I’m so sorry.

Love, Mom

A seizure? Miles had been in rehab, struggling with his addiction, but a seizure? I grabbed my keys and drove to the hospital.