She grabbed Evan’s hand. “We’re leaving.”
As she pulled him away, the boy waved happily.
“Bye, Sophie!”
The father hurried after them, trying to explain.
Kelly quietly slipped out the door.
The gym buzzed until the principal clapped loudly.
“Alright everyone,” he said. “Let’s focus on the graduates.”
The ceremony continued.
When Sophie’s name was called, she walked proudly across the stage.
Her teacher added into the microphone, “Sophie’s dress was handmade by her father.”
The gym erupted in applause.
My chest tightened as she accepted her certificate, beaming with pride.
Later, several parents came over.
“This dress is beautiful,” one mother said. “Did you really make it?”
Another father added, “You should sell these.”
I laughed. “I’m still learning.”
That afternoon Sophie and I celebrated with ice cream.
She talked nonstop about the ceremony.
As she chatted, I kept glancing at the dress. It had turned out better than I expected.
But another thought sat in the back of my mind.
Private school tuition for first grade was coming, and my HVAC salary barely covered everything.
The next morning I woke early and checked my phone.
Mrs. Carter had sent me a message.
“You should check the school’s parent page.”