Katie laughed, taking his hand. “Only if you know the chicken dance!”
Soon, laughter and music filled the gym. Other girls joined, fathers followed, and the atmosphere turned into pure celebration.
Cassidy flushed, looking down, suddenly out of place. The other moms drifted away, avoiding her gaze.
And for that night, my daughter was wrapped in the love her father left behind.
I caught the principal, Mrs. Dalton, watching from across the room, her eyes shining with tears as she smiled at me.
Katie stood at the center—dancing, laughing, cheeks glowing.
At one point, a Marine placed his officer’s cap on her head, making her wobble with pride as the crowd cheered and snapped photos.
A laugh escaped me. For the first time since Keith’s funeral, happiness didn’t feel like betrayal.
As the music softened and the crowd began to thin, General Warner approached me. He paused, resting a gentle hand on my shoulder.
