“You don’t have to fight her alone.”
Gary walked toward our senior adviser, Mrs. Chen.
What I didn’t know was that Gary had already spoken to her after our visit to the alteration shop.
Mrs. Chen had also known my mother.
Mom had volunteered for years helping with school theater productions.
And Mrs. Howard happened to be at prom helping prepare a memorial display.
The truth was already inside the building.
Gary only needed Shirley to step into it.
Gary approached Shirley politely.
“You look incredible tonight.”
She immediately straightened.
“Thank you.”
“We’re doing parent recognition before the tribute. Would you come onto the stage?”
The word recognition was all Shirley needed to hear.
She touched the copied flowers on her dress and smiled.
“If you insist.”
She walked onto the stage as though she were accepting an award.
Gary took the microphone.
“Before we begin, there’s someone here who can explain why one dress in this room matters.”
