I thought I had reached the lowest point of my life

I stood frozen in the middle of my kitchen, the world spinning softly around me.

“Mom?” Lily asked, watching me carefully. “Are you okay?”

“I…” My voice wavered. “I’ve been invited to a gala.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Like… fancy clothes and rich people?”

I let out a disbelieving laugh. “Apparently.”