“That way the train stays up off the carpet.”

She stretched up on her tiptoes and hooked the silver wire over the white painted ledge.

The dress caught the yellow hall light and shimmered like deep river water under a summer sun.

Sadie stepped back three paces and folded her arms, her thumb resting against her index finger.

Her shoulders sat much lower than they had all spring, completely loose and relaxed.

“It doesn’t even look like something I belong in,” she said quietly.