I lie and tell him that I’m just tired and should probably get to bed. When I get up and slowly walk to the bathroom, I try to ignore the fact that my belly feels like it’s been bitten by a swarm of mosquitos. The thermometer is buried in a drawer under the sink, and my hand trembles as I look for it. Once I find it, I place it under my tongue. I don’t know how much time passes, but when it finally beeps, it feels like an eternity.

“Shit,” I say aloud to no one but myself.

One hundred and four degrees.

My hands tremble as I lift up my shirt and see a distinct rash forming right above my belly button.

If I had been one of those girls who fantasized about prom? No version of the night would have ended with me huddled on my bathroom floor, wondering if I was going to be dead by morning. My phone buzzes, and I glance at it to see an email from Parisa in my inbox, but my eyes can barely focus long enough to read it.

From: Parisa Naficy ([email protected])

To: Gabriela Gonzales ([email protected])

Date: May 28, 2023

Subject: Prom was epic.

Dear Gabriela,

How amazing was last night?! I can’t believe it’s already over. All these years of waiting for prom, and then it just kind of came and went. I wish we could relive it all over again. I know you haven’t been as excited about it as me, but I really think it’ll go down as one of the best nights in history. And since it’s all fresh in my mind, I’m going to recap it for you—so we can always remember. Here goes!

The day started with you coming over to my place. My mom hired her favorite hair and makeup person to come over and do glam for us. And we got mani-pedis, too! Your hair looked stunning all blown out, with that wavy beach curls look. I went with a low side bun that strategically covered my big ears. We listened to that awesome prom playlist I made us and snacked on cheese and crackers while we got ready. Wes tried to FaceTime me, but I wasn’t about to let him see you in your dress until he was here in person. I know that’s just a superstition for weddings, but it should count for prom dresses, too, as far as I’m concerned.