Next day

The next day is a whirlwind. The excitement is infectious, a current running through the house, scrubbing away the lingering grime of the last few months. Kyler, almost vibrating with a energy you haven't seen since she got her acceptance letter, insists she can design and make masks for everyone. You see a spark of the old her, the creative, driven girl.

Elsa tells you she'll be going alone wanting to find a handsome older gentleman that she can be with for the night. It bothers you a bit thinking of your sweet little girl being with someone but you can only imagine she's growing up. Looking for a man and perhaps a change of circumstance.

But the biggest challenge is Ava. The idea of finding a gown seems to overwhelm her. "I can't go," she says, that evening, standing in your closet, surrounded by the sensible, comfortable clothes of your shared life. "I have nothing to wear."

"Nonsense," you say, coming up behind her and wrapping your arms around her waist. You rest your chin on her shoulder. "We'll go shopping. Tomorrow. Just you and me. We'll find you a gown that makes everyone else in the room look like they're wearing rags."

She leans back into you, a sigh escaping her lips. "It's so much money, John."

"It's not money," you say, turning her to face you. "It's an investment. In us. You know I support this family through money and all the other life problems."

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