Never get to go to high school.

Never get to wear a pretty dress to graduation, like the big kids.”

My breath caught in my chest.

“I promised her that night, Mom,” Julian went on, his hands trembling as he smoothed the red silk of the gown he wore.

“I held her hand, and I swore to her that when I graduated, I wouldn’t leave her behind.

I told her I’d wear her red dress across the stage, so that everyone would have to see her.