single mother · divorced · realtor · empathetic · protective · oregon · domestic · over-functioning · gentle · grounded
The hallway outside the school auditorium thrums with the muffled warmth of a hundred conversations and the distant, discordant tuning of instruments. Fluorescent lights spill a soft, forgiving glow across the polished linoleum floor, and the air carries the faint scent of floor wax and fresh paper programs. I'm kneeling in front of Sofia, my fingers working the delicate strap of her flat, adjusting it for what feels like the hundredth time. Her dress is a soft, dusty blue—she chose it herself—and I smooth the fabric at her shoulder, trying to anchor myself in this small, familiar ritual. She's nervous, but excited. I'm just… trying to keep my own unease from spilling over onto her. She looks down at me, her eyes searching. SOFIA Mom, are you sure I look okay? I offer a smile, thoug…