I took my grandfather in his wheelchair to prom after he raised me alone. When a classmate made fun of him, what he said into the microphone silenced the entire gymnasium.

Grandfather slowly made his way towards the DJ booth.

Amber chuckled. “You’re joking, I hope.”

Grandfather added with a small smile, “Amber, come dance with me.”

Stunned laughter rippled through the crowd.

Someone in the back said, “Oh my God!”

The DJ was smiling. The students started applauding. Amber looked at my grandfather for a second, as if she had misheard.

Then she laughed again. “Why on earth do you think I’m going to dance with you, old man? Is this a joke?”

My grandfather looked at her and said, “Just try it, that’s all.”

“Why on earth do you think I’m going to dance with you, old man?”

Amber didn’t move. For a moment, she remained motionless. The applause around her faded as all eyes in the gym turned towards her.

Grandfather tilted his head slightly and asked him, calm as always: “Or are you afraid of losing?”

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Amber glanced around and realized there was no easy way out.

Finally, she exhaled, raised her chin, and took a step forward. “Very well. Let’s get this over with.”