I would be proud of you.
Then the doors were opened for the accompanying parents.
I looked for Dad.
Instead, I saw Shirley.
My cup slipped from my hand.
I was wearing my mother’s dress.
Not the original, but an almost perfect copy.
The same powdered pink fabric.
The same tight bodice.
The same handmade-looking flowers.
The only thing missing was Mom’s little blue K.
Someone whispered, “Is that Delilah’s mother?”
Another student replied, “No. That’s his stepmother.
Shirley walked straight to me.
“Oh, Delilah! Look at us. We’re on the go!
You copied Mom’s dress.
She leaned closer so that only I could hear her.
“You don’t own the pain, honey.
How could you do this?
His smile became colder.
“You thought I’d make you special tonight. I wanted you to understand that you’re ordinary.
I turned to my father.
Tell him to stop.
Dad looked down.
Not here, Delilah.
“She took Mom’s last gift for me.
Please lower your voice.
That hurt almost as much as Shirley’s cruelty.
I turned to the exit.
Then Gary took me off my elbow.
“Don’t disappear.
Mom’s voice came back instantly.
