I don't know who was supposed to sit next to me but I thanked them over and over again in my head for not coming. I leaned into the epmty seat and felt large tears roll down my face.

*

when they all entered the small theater and took their seats in the main block to my right I frantically texted my only friend that it felt like a coordinated suicide bombing. they all spotted me eventually, each small group waving at their own time. I awkwardly waved back.

*

god I hope they didn't see me cry.