“Aspen Falcone,” the announcer calls out. Excitement courses through me as I walk across the stage and accept my diploma. It’s only when the room erupts in cheers and claps and I turn to look at the audience that disappointment slams me in the chest. I don’t have any family. There’s no one here to congratulate me. No one here to take me out to dinner after. No one here to smile and look on with pride because I made my dreams come true.
