“Ready to go? I’ve never seen a dress like that.”
“I think I am,” I said.
He smiled.
“You did good, kid. Your dad would’ve been proud.”
As we drove away, I glanced back.
Camila, Lia, and Jen stood silent under the porch light.
At school, everyone turned to look.
The soldier opened my door and offered his arm.
“You go in there and dance. That’s an order.”
“Yes, sir.”
Inside, the gym buzzed with music.
Mrs. Lopez approached me.
“Chelsea… is that your dad’s jacket?”
“I made this dress for tonight.”
She touched my sleeve.
“You honor him. Never forget that.”
People began whispering.
Then someone started clapping.
More joined in.
Soon, the entire gym applauded.
My friend Sarah grabbed my hand.
“This is your night.”
And for the first time, I believed it.
We danced.
Not perfectly—but freely.
