Glittery paint, metallic balloons, cardboard cutouts of film reels and faux Oscars. The theme was “A Night in Hollywood.” The irony wasn’t lost on Shirley, the school was decorated like an awards show while a real tragedy might have been unfolding quietly in the background. No one looked worried anymore.
The bullies laughed again, but quieter, like they were trying not to wake something sleeping. The girls who rejected Richard smiled more, though sometimes their eyes clouded when they passed his empty locker. Teachers seemed relieved not to be questioned about him anymore. Everyone’s concern had evaporated into the shallow excitement of the biggest night of the year.