I stopped.
“Everyone is watching,” I whispered.
Gary looked around.
-Okay.
And he added:
Let them see what he did.
I told him I couldn’t face Shirley in front of hundreds of people.
You don’t have to face it alone.
Gary walked to our senior counselor, Mrs. Chen.
What I didn’t know was that Gary had already spoken to her after our visit to the repair shop.
Mrs. Chen had also met my mother.
Mom had volunteered for years helping with the school’s theatrical productions.
And Mrs. Howard was at graduation helping prepare a memorial exhibition.
The truth was already inside the building.
Gary just needed Shirley to get into it.
—
# PART 3 — THEY ALL SAW THE TRUTH
Gary approached Shirley politely.
You look amazing tonight.
She straightened up immediately.
Thank you.
“We will make the recognition to the parents before the tribute. Would you get on stage?
The word *recognition* was all that Shirley needed to hear.
He touched the copied flowers of his dress and smiled.
“If you insist.
He took the stage as if he were going to receive an award.
Gary took the microphone.
“Before we start, there’s someone here who can explain why a dress in this room matters.
The curtain opened.
Mrs. Howard took the stage with a folder in her hand.
Shirley’s smile disappeared.
“You.
