Rafiq’s gaze mindlessly admired the architecture and the style of the auditorium. His fingers thrummed a steady beat on the armrest of his seat while his dark and scrutinizing gaze scanned the people below. There were empty rows. Empty rows, he figured the graduating students would occupy soon once everything was underway. The university’s vice chancellor went on with the dutiful formalities of officially beginning the ceremony, but his thoughts were so loud they muffled her voice.