I started by getting graduation congratulations from Mother and Belle's

Dad. The two of them had sat together in the bleachers and socialized side-by-side, more because they were familiar with each other than anything else. I genuinely couldn't tell which one of them was prouder of me, although if I'm being honest, I was more appreciative of Mr. K's involvement in getting me to this point. When he hugged me, I clutched him close... the closest thing to a father-figure I had, really. I thanked him for everything he had done for me, told him I never would've gotten this far without his love, care, and support, and in the end we were both getting misty-eyed.

Mari and her parents soon joined us, and despite the recent revelation that I was not monogamously exclusive to their daughter, at least from my end it felt Like nothing had changed at all. Her dad was really chill with me, although the naturally taciturn man barely said a few words beyond simple congratulations. Mari's Luscious Latina mom still flirted with me despite everything; I figured that was just her default setting. After that, I took my Leave of all of them and sought out the rest of my girlfriends.

I figured I'd go after the most difficult challenge first to get it out of the way, which for once would NOT be Neevie's parents. Today would be the first time I'd get to talk to Zofi's mom and dad since the weekend she came out of the closet, and as it turned out they were unexpectedly warm with me.

“Matt! So good to see you again. Congratulations on your graduation."

To my surprise, Mr. Zelazowski hugged me. He'd never actually hugged me before. Pulling me close, he whispered into my ear, “I am so very sorry for how everything turned out."

“Please, don't be," I replied quietly, pulling back far enough to look him in the eye, although he kept his hands on my shoulders.

“Everything turned out for the best."

Nodding slowly, Zofi's dad glanced both ways and then pulled me a few steps further to the side. Zofi's mom was chatting with Sam's parents, and Sam and Zofi themselves were another five feet further away giggling with some of their old friends from the popular crowd. Nobody was paying any attention to us at the moment.

Looking me in the eye and speaking softly, the older man said, "Zofi loves you, you know. I know she's a lesbian, that her heart will ultimately belong with another woman, but there is still love there.

Believe me, I have lived with Zuzanna long enough to understand how a lesbian can still love a man."

I smiled and shook my head.

“You're trying to reassure me and I appreciate it, but it's not necessary. I know Zofi Loves me, in her own way, and I'll always love her. I promise you I will always be there for her. She's going off to Princeton to start a new chapter in her life, but if she ever needs anything from me, I swear I'll take care of her in whatever way she might need."

“Even if she needs a child from you someday?" His eyes were serious, and I was mature enough to recognize he was far more concerned with the myriad complications and consequences of such a decision than the physical act of procreation with his daughter.

Looking the older man straight in the eyes, I nodded and stated firmly,

“I promised her I would."

Mr. Zelazowski took a deep breath.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but please allow me to give you the advice of an elder. You are still young, and it is easy to make these promises today. But many years down the road, when you perhaps have a wife and family of your own, the factors will be different, hmm?"

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

“I understand what you're trying to tell me. Time changes everything. It feels like my entire life has been flipped upside down in the past year alone, so how can I possibly know what things will be Like however many years from now when

-- or even IF -- Zofi asks me to keep that promise. Still, if Zofi needs me, I have every intention of keeping my promise.”

He nodded and patted my shoulder, the matter apparently settled for the moment. But before he withdrew, the topic that had been preying on my mind came forth.

“How is...?" I began before pausing and once again glancing around to make sure we had relative privacy before continuing.

“How is your wife?"

Zofi's dad gave me a nod and a smile. "She's doing well, all things considered. Thank you for asking. There is still a long road ahead, but..."