In my room, I put on the dress.
The sash was made from Dad’s tie. His silver pin rested at my waist.
I stared at my reflection.
Was I making a mistake?
Downstairs, laughter echoed.
“She probably found something at Goodwill,” Jen said.
“Or from a donation bin,” Lia added.
They laughed.
I took a breath.
Then I walked downstairs.
They fell silent.
Jen’s mouth dropped open.
“Oh my God… is that—?”
Lia laughed.
“You made a dress out of a uniform? Seriously?”
Camila frowned.
“You cut up a uniform for that?”
“I didn’t ruin it,” I said. “I made something from what he left me.”
Camila laughed coldly.
“He left you rags, Chelsea. And it shows.”
“It looks like something from a dollar store,” Lia added.
I blinked, holding back tears.
Then the doorbell rang.
Camila sighed and opened the door.
A military officer stood outside, accompanied by a woman in a suit.
“Are you Camila?” he asked.
“Yes. Is something wrong?”
He glanced past her and looked at me.
“Which one is Chelsea?”
“I am.”
His expression softened.
“We’re here on behalf of Staff Sergeant Martin. He left instructions for tonight.”
My heart dropped.
“He asked us to deliver this on your prom night,” the officer added gently.
