I looked around at my classmates, my teachers, the parents.
“She has done more for me than most people do in a lifetime. And if you think dancing with her is embarrassing, then you don’t understand what prom—or life—is actually about.”
My voice cracked then. I didn’t hide it.
“She is my family. She is my hero. And I am proud—proud—to be her grandson.”
For a moment, no one moved.
Then someone started clapping.
Slowly, the applause spread. Parents stood up. Teachers wiped their eyes. Even some of the kids who had laughed earlier looked down, ashamed.
I walked back to my grandma and took her hand again.
“May I have this dance?” I asked.
She nodded, tears streaming down her face.
When the music started again, we weren’t alone on the floor anymore. People joined us. But I didn’t see them.