“Terry Carroll, Congratulations. Jimmy Chin, Congratulations...”

As Nigel fidget nervously in his graduation robe, he still could not believe that he had made it this far. Amidst the polite claps and the constant drone of the dean’s voice, his thoughts went back to his yesteryears. Back then, he was struggling to get into the country’s most prestigious university. His family was not very well off. Nigel knew that good education is the only way to redeem his family.

“Noel Gagnier, Congratulations…”

And so, day after day, he burns the midnight oil in hoping to nail that scholarship which ensures a full tuition waiver for the whole course. While his classmates are snoozing off into dreamland, Nigel poured over his books of chemistry, physics and history. He would display an array of fervour determination although his eyes do not always agree. He had to get that scholarship. It was his only hope.

His dad works the night shift at a local store. When he got off his work, he would always be welcome by the sight of his son dozed off among his books. Jack would trod into a kitchen and brew 2 mugs of coffee . Black with 2 cubes of sugar. He would then wake his son up gently and both of them would enjoy the company of each other.

This became a routine. 2 mugs of coffee. Black with 2 cubes of sugar. The same porcelain mugs . To both father and son, it was sacred and it allows both of them to bond to each other. No one else is allowed to witness or share this meaningful moment. Words failed to explain the serenity of this almost holy-like ambience.

“Elizabeth Haanraadts, Congratulations. Melissa Isabella, Congratulation…”

Action speaks louder than words. His dad’s love for him is not measured in words of affection, but in acts of service greater than any other. Nigel particularly remembered one night when his dad came back with a digital camera. Anxious to try it, Jack shot everything in sight. They tried to use the timer to take a shot of themselves but it was not well taken. At the last attempt, they took a self shot with both of them grinning after sipping their coffee. That turned out to be the perfect one.

“There you go. Just in case one day we hate each other.”

“Oh, dad! That would never happen.”

“Son, I love you. More than you can imagine. Always remember that.”

It was hard for him to utter those words, especially from a tough old man like Jack.

However, things headed towards a downturn. Jack had an argument with the boss and fired. Wallowing in self pity, Jack began to disregard his responsibilities as a father and a husband and starts hanging out in the local pub seven days a week, from day till night.

That sacred routine was now ruined. No more mugs of coffee. Nigel would find himself being awaken by the slamming of the door. He was angry. Angry at his dad for being drunk. Angry towards him because they do not drink coffee together anymore. Most of all, he was angry at himself for not being able to do anything.

As a result, he became distant. Nigel practically ignored his dad. Instead of feeling sorry for himself, he puts all the rage into his studies. Nigel wanted to prove that he can do it; he can succeed without the aid of his dad. At times, he still wants to feel the warmth of his father. He misses the late night coffee with his dad. However, his ego was too huge for him to be reduced to an emotional wreck. By the time Jack realised his son’s attitude towards him, it was too late.

“Jacob Mendoza, Congratulations. Simon Mitchell, Congratulations. Jane Nagakar. Congratulations…”

His dad tried to console Nigel. He tried talking to him, even recreating the coffee routine again. Nigel was too stubborn to admit his love for his father. He did not even tell his dad that he was awarded the full scholarship. It was the end of a supposed-unbroken bond. So it seems.

“Kimberly Saa, Congratulations. Nigel Smith, Congratulations…”

Ah! He did it. He had done it all by himself. As he received his degree, he can see his mom beaming in that white dress she bought specially for the occasion. Instead of feeling proud, a sense of loneliness clenches the depth of his soul. He wishes his father was there to witness it.

After all the hype, Nigel starts walking to the direction of his mom. He noticed there was a man in an ill fitting suit beside his mom. With his hair was neatly combed to a side, it was unmistakeably his father. Jack's face was hard but there was something in the eyes. A spark which Nigel never saw. As he treads silently towards him, he noticed there was something in his hands.

It was his mug . The same porcelain mug that they had used for the late night coffee. However, there was a new addition to it. On the face of the mug, there was that perfect picture they had taken on a cold night years before.

Nigel’s eyes began to quiver with tears. As his dad embraced him, he could only hear the silent whispers that he thought was long gone.

“Son, I love you. More than you can imagine. Always remember that.”