She nodded, but the words passed through her like wind. By the time she arrived at the venue, the school gym had transformed into a shimmering, glamorous scene tinted gold by string lights and spot lamps. Students spun in glittering dresses. Boys in suits awkwardly loosened their ties. A balloon arch framed the entrance, tall and ridiculous.
A teacher collected tickets at the door, smiling brightly, as if this were just any prom, any year, any normal night. Shirley scanned the crowd the moment she stepped inside. Part of her hated herself for doing it. But another part, the anxious, trembling part, knew she couldn’t help it. She looked for him. Just in case. He wasn’t there.