The Boyfriend Who Always Picked Someone Else

On graduation-photo day, Bill Henson steers Cordelia Fox to the edge of the group and moves Phyllis Swanson into the spot beside him, explaining that the top science and top humanities students belong together. It is not the first time he has pushed Cordelia aside for Phyllis, and the photographer's teasing only makes the pair's closeness plainer to everyone watching.

Cordelia drops her photo card in the trash, blocks Bill, and leaves school without waiting for him. At a farewell dinner, Phyllis posts a picture captioned "Official," and a hair tie Cordelia once begged Bill to wear shows at the edge of the frame. Bill arrives with Phyllis, orders the couples' combo, and tells the table the post means nothing, while his hand reaches for Cordelia's under the table as it always did.

She pulls away, and he sits beside Phyllis instead. Cordelia sits through the meal like a stranger at a shared table, saying nothing.