My Daughter Was Laughed at for Standing Alone at the Father-Daughter Dance – Until a Dozen Marines Entered the Gym
“What did you say?” My voice came out sharper and louder than I meant, but I didn’t care.
“Events for complete families are always hard on children.”
Cassidy smiled, her lips thin. “I’m just saying, Jill, maybe some events just aren’t for everyone. This is a father-daughter dance. If you don’t have a father —”
“My daughter has a father,” I cut in. “He gave his life defending this country.”
Cassidy blinked, caught off guard. The other moms shifted, suddenly fascinated by their bracelets and phones.
***
The music changed again, this time it was one of Keith’s favorite oldies, the one he and Katie used to dance to in the living room. Katie shrank against me, face buried in my sleeve.
“I wish he was here, Mom.”
“I know, sweetheart. I wish that every day,” I murmured, smoothing her hair. “But you’re doing so well, honey. He’d be so proud of you.”
“He gave his life defending this country.”
She peeked up at me, eyes watery. “Do you think he’d still want me to dance?”
“I think he’d want you to dance more than ever. He’d say, ‘Show them how it’s done, Ladybug.'” I tried to smile, even as my heart twisted.
Katie pressed her lips together, fighting a tear. “But I feel like everyone’s looking at us.”
The silence around us felt thick, too many people pretending not to notice.
Then suddenly, the gym doors slammed open with a bang so loud it made Katie jump.
“What’s happening?” Katie whispered, clutching my arm.
Twelve Marines marched in, uniforms gleaming, faces solemn. At their head was General Warner, his silver stars catching the gym lights.
“Do you think he’d still want me to dance?”
