“Wait, you’re escorting YOUR MOTHER? To PROM? That’s genuinely pathetic, Adam.”

My fists clenched involuntarily. Heat rushed through my veins. But I forced out a casual laugh instead of the explosion building inside me.

Because I already had a plan… one which she couldn’t possibly anticipate.

“Appreciate the feedback, Brianna. Super constructive.”

***

When prom day finally came, my mom looked breathtaking. Nothing over-the-top or inappropriate… just genuinely elegant.

She’d chosen a powder-blue gown that made her eyes sparkle, styled her hair in soft retro waves, and wore an expression of pure happiness I hadn’t seen in over a decade.

Watching her transformation brought tears to my eyes.