The night before prom, Gia rushed home, eager to lay out her dress. But when she opened her closet, the hanger was empty. Panic surged as she raced downstairs, where her stepmother, Cindy, casually sipped tea.
“Cindy! Where’s my dress?” Gia cried.
“I returned it,” Cindy replied, unfazed. “It didn’t seem right for you.”
Gia felt her world shatter. “Why would you do that?”
“You’ll understand tomorrow,” Cindy said quietly.
Heartbroken, Gia cried herself to sleep. The next morning, Selene urged her to talk to Cindy. Reluctantly, Gia followed her downstairs.
Cindy stood nervously, holding a box wrapped in a bow. “This belonged to your mom,” she whispered, revealing a stunning vintage white dress. “I thought you’d want to wear it to prom. I wanted your mom to be with you.”
Gia froze, her anger melting away. Tears filled her eyes. All this time, she believed Cindy was trying to ruin her night, but instead, she offered a priceless connection to her mother.
At prom, wearing the dress, Gia felt her mom’s spirit wrap around her like a warm hug. Her dad’s eyes brimmed with tears. “You look just like Mom!”
The night was magical. When Gia returned home, Cindy was waiting with mint chocolate chip ice cream. As they talked, Gia realized Cindy wasn’t just her dad’s wife; she was someone who loved her, too. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.
