My Daughter’s Friends Brought Prom to Her Hospital Room—Then Her Best Friend Handed Me an Envelope and Said, “This Is the Real Reason We’re Here”

to say anything. She didn’t want you to spend whatever time was left crying, ma’am. Carol said you’d already given up too much for her.”

I leaned against the wall and pressed the letters against my chest.

I couldn’t catch my breath.

“This prom isn’t an early prom.”

“No, ma’am. It’s the only one.”

Daryl looked down at his rented shoes.

“She didn’t want to continue reading …