The rain had stopped just before sunset, leaving the city streets glistening under the golden hue of the streetlamps. In a modest apartment on the far side of town, Emma Carter stood in front of a mirror, smoothing the deep navy gown over her hips. It had been years since she’d worn anything this glamorous. For so long, her life had been about school drop-offs, part-time jobs, grocery lists, and bills balanced on the edge of possibility. Tonight, though, was different.
From the couch, a small voice piped up.
“Mom, are you sure we’re allowed to go?”
