We moved along the edge of the dance floor, staying close to the wall. Every few steps, people glanced at us—at my simple black dress and Katie’s too-brave smile.
A girl from Katie’s class, Molly, waved from across the room while her dad dipped her in a clumsy waltz. “Hi, Katie!” she called. Her dad gave us a quick, polite nod.
Katie smiled but didn’t move.
We found a spot by the mats. I sat down, and Katie curled beside me, knees pulled in, her badge catching the colored lights.
She watched the dance floor, eyes bright with hope. But when a slow song began, the weight of missing Keith seemed to shrink her even more.