“Are you sure you don’t want to go? You know, I went to prom with your grandfather. He asked me out of the blue, and we got married a few months later. We loved each other until the day he died, and I still miss him every day. Prom can change your life,” Kerry insisted, her voice cheerful as she tried to convince Anne to go.
“I know, Grandma. But still, I don’t want to go. Also, I don’t have a date either, so it doesn’t matter. Listen, I have to study for finals. Talk to you later!” Anne said and hung up too quickly for Kerry’s comfort.
Determined to change her granddaughter’s mind, Kerry decided to use her savings, meant for her funeral expenses, to buy Anne a dress. The following day, she visited a boutique filled with stunning dresses.
“Hello! My name is Sandra. How may I help you… ugh… today?” Sandra greeted Kerry, but her tone faltered as she eyed Kerry disdainfully.
“Hi there! I’m looking for a dress for my granddaughter. Her prom is coming up,” Kerry explained, smiling despite Sandra’s attitude.
“I’m sorry. This is not a rental store. You have to buy these dresses in full,” Sandra said, her hands clasped.
Kerry, unfazed, responded, “I know that. But can you show me some of the most popular models?”
“The most popular are pretty pricey. The entire store might not be in your price range. Perhaps you should try Target?” Sandra suggested, her condescension clear.
Offended but unwilling to cause a scene, Kerry continued browsing. Sandra followed, her arms crossed. “You can find nice things at Target in your price range. This is too much. Also, we have cameras everywhere. You won’t be able to stash anything in that ugly old bag of yours.”
Kerry turned to face Sandra, shocked by her rudeness. Sandra smirked, daring her to respond. Instead, Kerry left the store, tears streaming down her face.
Outside the mall, she dropped her bag and broke down completely. A young police officer, George, approached her.
“Ma’am, are you okay? Can I help you with anything?” George asked kindly, picking up her purse.
“Oh, thank you, officer,” Kerry said, composing herself.
“I’m still an apprentice. I’m only 20, but I’ll be an official officer soon,” George replied humorously. “Can you tell me what happened?”
Something about George’s demeanor encouraged Kerry to share her story. By the time she finished, he was frowning deeply.
“That’s preposterous! How can a salesperson treat you like that?” George exclaimed.
“What’s your name, young man?”
“George Martins. Look, my mentor is here for coffee, but we have time to choose a dress. Let’s go!” George insisted, pulling her back to the boutique.
Sandra spotted them immediately. “I thought I told you to leave… oh, officer. What’s going on?”
“We came here for a dress, and we’re not leaving without one,” George stated firmly. He then filed a complaint with Sandra’s manager while Kerry shopped.
After a few minutes, Kerry found a beautiful prom dress. George even paid for half despite her objections, and the store offered a discount due to George’s complaint. They heard the manager scolding Sandra as they left.
Outside the mall, George bid Kerry goodbye. But she couldn’t let such a wonderful young man go just like that. “George, do you have any plans this weekend?” she asked slyly, making him laugh.
On prom night, Kerry surprised Anne with the dress, convincing her of the event’s importance. Anne finally relented, though she lamented not having a date.
“Actually…,” Kerry began, just as the doorbell rang.
George stood outside in a tuxedo, holding a corsage. Kerry explained who he was and what had happened at the mall. Anne, though embarrassed, accepted the corsage and George’s company.
They had a wonderful time at prom. Seven years later, Anne and George were married.
“I told you prom could change your life!” Kerry said, helping Anne with her wedding dress.