My Son Walked Across the Graduation Stage Wearing a Bright Red Dress While Hundreds of People Laughed. I Was the Only Person in the Auditorium Who Knew Why.

You already know what he placed in my hands.

You already know the row went silent.

What I have not said is the sound of the gym when laughter dies.

It is not immediately holy.

It is confused.

People look at their neighbors to learn whether they are still allowed to find it funny.