I was submitting one of my reports when I heard someone call my name.
"Mr. Hernandez!"
I turned around and saw Professor Marco Valdez walking toward me.
"Good morning, Professor," I greeted him with a smile.
Professor Marco Valdez was one of the most respected professors in the Business Management department. Despite his reputation, he wasn't the strict type. He had a calm personality and a good sense of humor, making him one of the students' favorite professors. He treated everyone with respect and was always willing to help. Whenever someone struggled to understand a lesson, he never hesitated to explain it until they finally got it.
He stopped in front of me with a smile.
"Mr. Hernandez, congratulations."
I blinked in confusion.
"Congratulations... for what, sir?"
He chuckled.
"Our faculty has selected the best fourth-year Business Management students to represent the university in this year's Business Simulation Competition, where teams from different universities will compete."
He paused before smiling even wider.
"And I'm pleased to tell you that you've been chosen as one of our representatives."
For a moment, I just stared at him.
"...Me?"
He nodded.
"Yes, you."
I couldn't believe what I had just heard.
"Your academic performance, leadership, and problem-solving skills impressed the faculty. We believe you have what it takes to represent our university."
A smile slowly spread across my face.
"Thank you so much, Professor. I won't let you down."
He gave me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"I know you won't. The competition won't be easy, Ace. You'll be facing some of the brightest Business Management students from different universities."
He smiled confidently.
"But I believe you can do it."
His words filled me with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It was an opportunity I had never expected to receive, and deep down, I knew it was one I couldn't afford to waste. This wasn't just another chance—it could shape my future. I took a slow breath, determined to give it everything I had.
After leaving the university, I stopped by a flower shop and bought a bouquet of white lilies before making my way to the cemetery. When I reached my older brother's grave, I quietly knelt down and gently placed the flowers in front of the headstone. A small smile found its way onto my lips as I looked at his name, my heart filled with both longing and gratitude.
"Hey, bro..." I brushed away the dried leaves covering his headstone.
"I have good news." I wiped the dust from his name with my hand before sitting down on the grass.
"I was chosen to represent our university in the competition."
I chuckled softly.
"Can you believe it? Me." The wind gently blew across the cemetery, carrying the scent of the flowers.
"I wish you were here."
For a moment, I stayed silent. Then another smile slowly appeared.
"Oh... there's someone I want to tell you about."
I laughed to myself.
"Her name is Isabel- Isabella Gomez." I looked down, feeling embarrassed even though I was talking to a gravestone.
"She's... different."
I smiled as memories of her filled my mind.
"She likes books. She knows random facts about almost everything."
I wiped away the dirt from the corner of the gravestone.
"And..."
I let out a nervous laugh.
"I think I like her."
The words felt strange leaving my mouth.
"I know you'd probably tease me if you were here." I stood up and gave the gravestone one last gentle pat.