“You look very nice yourself.”

“I brought this for you,” Harold said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small corsage of white carnations.

“It’s beautiful,” I said.

He pinned it carefully to the lapel of my dress, his fingers brushing against the fabric.

David watched us, his expression calm and approving.

“Have a good time, Mom,” David said.

“Don’t stay out too late,” he added with a small wink.

“I’ll have her back by eleven,” Harold promised.

We walked out to his car under the shelter of his umbrella.

The passenger door of his sedan was already unlocked, and he opened it for me.

The heater was already running, filling the car with a pleasant warmth.

As we drove down the quiet suburban streets, the wipers swished a steady rhythm against the windshield.

“How are you feeling?” Harold asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

“I feel lighter than I have in a long time,” I said.

“It is a good feeling,” he said.

“Yes,” I agreed. “It is.”

The old ballroom was located on the second floor of the community center.