Julian sat beside him, teasing him about a complicated puzzle neither could solve.

Eleanor came with a small bunch of flowers.

Brian arrived separately and sat a few seats behind us, exactly where Nathan had invited him to sit.

When Nathan’s name was called, he walked onto the stage without looking around to check who had come.

He knew.

He thanked his mentors and fellow students.

Then he paused and said that his mother had once taught him the difference between being clever and being useful.

“She told me that a good answer matters only if it helps somebody,” he said.