And then there was Jacob. The youngest by minutes. Harvard Law grad, class of 2023. Vincent couldn’t stop staring at the commencement photo—Jacob in robes, hand on Linda’s shoulder, both of them glowing. Caption: “For every time she said we’d make it. She was right.” Vincent looked away as if it physically hurt him.
Jacob’s feed was quieter. More reserved. He posted about public defenders, legal equity, and second chances. Vincent wasn’t sure what to make of that. Could Jacob believe in redemption for others but not his father? Maybe. Maybe not. Vincent starred his name, then closed the screen. The plane was beginning to descend.