Part Fifteen: Because She Wanted To
Much later, after the cake plates had been cleared and the dance floor was crowded, I saw Emma make her way across the room toward Daniel.
No announcement. No microphone. No spotlight.
She just held out her hand.
Daniel looked at her. “You sure, kiddo?”
Emma smiled. “I’m sure.”
He took her hand, and they danced. Not because anyone had planned it. Not because anyone had permitted it or forbidden it.
Because she wanted to.
And for once, I didn’t walk over. I didn’t study her face. I didn’t ask whether she was okay.
That was part of what I had learned that night, too.
Sophie came and stood beside me at the edge of the floor. For a long while, neither of us said anything. We just watched.
Then Sophie said quietly, “I really screwed up tonight, didn’t I?”
“You were trying to protect her.”
“That’s not what I asked, Mom.”
I turned to look at her. There were tears in her eyes.
“Yes,” I said gently. “You did.”
She nodded slowly.
“So did I,” I added.
Part Sixteen: The Weight
Everyone stayed that night.
And not one of us stayed because Emma had begged. Or rearranged. Or softened things. Or sent a warning text. Or apologized for something that wasn’t her fault.
