Prom night is often painted as a celebration of glittering gowns, fancy tuxedos, and a fleeting sense that life is neatly organized and predictable. For me, it was never going to be that kind of night. My world has always revolved around one remarkable woman—my grandmother, Evelyn. She raised me alone after my mother passed away giving birth to me, and my father was never part of my life. Evelyn worked tirelessly as a janitor at my high school, cleaning hallways and classrooms while still finding time to read me bedtime stories, make pancakes every Saturday morning, and attend every school event she could. Her love was steady, unwavering, and enough to fill the spaces where family once was.
When I asked her to be my prom date, she was hesitant. “Oh, sweetheart,” she said, shaking her head gently, “that night is for young people. I’ll stay home and watch my shows.” But I insisted, explaining that no one had shaped my life more than she had, and that prom night wouldn’t feel complete without her by my side. After a long pause, she agreed, choosing to come with me. On the night itself, she wore an old floral dress, carefully kept for years, and apologized repeatedly for not having anything “nice enough.” To me, she was more beautiful than anyone else in the room. As we stepped into the glittering hall filled with students and parents, I could feel the weight of stares and whispers as some classmates began to mock the woman who had given me everything.
