Kendall actually laughed, until she saw his face. Dale didn’t yell. He pointed to the stone bench beside the fountain, and after a long second, she sat. Her friends went quiet. Half the courtyard turned to watch. Dale stood in front of her in his good suit, the one he wore to marry my mom, and spoke loud enough for everyone around us to hear.

“This woman,” he said, nodding at my mom, “gave up her prom, her sleep, and most of her twenties so her son would have a life. I’ve never been prouder to know anyone.” Then he looked down at the glittery dress. “Kendall, you’re going to tell your friends who paid for that dress. Or I will.” My mom grabbed his sleeve and whispered, “Dale, please don’t.” Kendall’s face went completely white.