“Yes.”
Then Steven walked toward her. The whole room seemed to slow down.
She giggled and reached back for the zipper. My fingers shook a little as I pulled it up.
“Mom, you’re crying.”
“Tears of joy, sweetie.”
In the mirror, Rosie beamed at her reflection like the world had finally given her a turn. I pressed my lips to the back of her hair and said a silent prayer that this boy was exactly what he seemed.
And somewhere behind the prayer, a quieter thought I refused to name kept asking why.
***
The gymnasium had been transformed into something out of a fairy tale. I stood near the back wall, clutching my purse. Rosie waited near the dance floor in her beautiful dress, her silver shoes catching the light every time she moved.
Then Steven walked toward her. The whole room seemed to slow down.
For a fleeting moment, I felt hopeful.
He stopped in front of my daughter and bowed, one hand pressed neatly to his chest.
“May I have this dance?”
