My Classmate Once Mocked Me For Quitting School. Years Later, She Derided My Son As A Dropout Child.

A Promise to Mom

“Kate, Ryan just turned ten today. We’re visiting Kate’s grave.”

“Ryan’s photo app is still selling really well. The new features are loved by the customers and the add-ons are selling,” he reported in front of Kate’s grave.

“But I did something wrong,” Ryan admitted on his own. “Some people I work with spoke ill of me, and I retaliated spitefully. Even though I was the stronger one, I ended up bullying the weaker person.”

Had he truly realized his mistake? As a parent, I felt relieved to see Ryan reflecting on his actions.

“From now on, I’ll be kinder to others. Even if someone speaks ill of me, I won’t retaliate. So Mom, you can be at peace.”

“Kate, Ryan has grown so much, both in heart and body. He’s truly maturing. And I have something else I want to share. Kate, I’ve decided to go to college next year. I plan to study engineering and work seriously on system development alongside Ryan and the others.”

“It would be really reassuring if you join the development team!” Ryan exclaimed with enthusiasm. “I used to only be involved in company management, but honestly, I’ve always wanted to be part of the development, not just for bug checks but to be deeply involved. I thought going to college would be the best way to achieve that.”

“When I grow up, I’ll go to college too. I want to attend the same one Mom did!”

“You already visit college research labs, don’t you Ryan? But you should definitely go to college, maybe even grad school.”

“Yeah, and in the future, I want to be a researcher like Mom. I’ll leave the company to you, Dad,” Ryan said with a mischievous grin.

Kate, he’s growing up so strong and capable. It seems like it’ll be a long time before I come to see you, but by then I’ll have plenty of stories to share. So please wait for me there.

I whispered to Kate in my heart.

“John, Ryan, I will always be watching over you.”

It felt like I heard Kate’s voice carried by the wind.

“Alright Ryan, let’s grab some ice cream from the campus cafeteria on our way home.”

“Yay!” Ryan cheered.

We started walking hand in hand on our way home, the scent of spring beginning to mingle with the air.