“Yes?”
“Her dress is amazing.
His face changed immediately.
“Thank you so much.
“We’re doing something special to recognize some parents tonight. Could you go with me on stage?
Shirley looked around.
All the attention I had come looking for was finally on her.
“Sure.
He followed him.
I didn’t understand anything.
Gary took her to the center of the stage.
Shirley stood under the lights as if she were waiting to receive a prize.
Then Gary looked up at the booth.
He made a signal.
The lights went down.
The giant screen behind Shirley lit up.
And a photograph appeared.
I felt like I was stopping breathing.
It was my mom.
She was sitting in front of her sewing machine.
Much thinner by treatment.
With a handkerchief covering his head.
But he smiled.
And between his hands was the blue dress.
My dress.
The room was completely silent.
