My Mystery Escort

In my hometown of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, graduating high-school seniors make a procession through the streets before receiving their diplomas in the gym. Everyone in the community comes out to cheer, and I looked forward to the day when I would walk arm in arm with a handsome escort from my class.

But just before rehearsal, I came down with pneumonia. "Don't worry, Ana," Mama tried to console me. "You'll be well in time for the ceremony."

"Mami, you don't understand," I said. Missing rehearsal meant I wouldn't be paired with an escort. There weren't enough boys to go around. As far as I was concerned, graduation was ruined.

Just as Mama had predicted, I was fully recovered by the day of the ceremony. Tears welled up in my eyes as my classmates divided into twosomes in the town plaza. My best friend, Tella, grabbed my arm. "Come on, Ana. Let's see if we can find you an escort."

We had taken a few steps when my gaze fell upon a tall, slender young man in a gray suit leaning against a shade tree. "Are you waiting for your date?" Tella asked.

"No," the young man replied. "I missed rehearsal. I don't have a date."

"Well, you do now," Tella said, gently nudging me forward. I didn't recognize him but took his arm. "I thought I knew all the seniors," I said as we took our place in line.

We walked the procession in silence, smiling for all the world to see. About the time we reached the gym I asked my new friend's name. He told me and I checked the graduation list after the ceremony. His name was not on it.