Not grieving.
Just seventeen.
At the gym, people couldn’t stop staring.
Students who had ignored Hazel for months suddenly complimented her.
Teachers gasped.
Parents whispered.
Everyone wanted to know where she bought the dress.
Eli just smiled and changed the subject.
For most of the night, Hazel danced.
She laughed.
She took photos.
She looked alive.
Then, around ten o’clock, Eli walked toward the DJ booth.
I noticed immediately.
Something about his expression seemed different.
Nervous.
Emotional.
The music faded.
Students looked up.
Eli took the microphone.
His hands shook.
“Can I have everyone’s attention for a minute?”
The gym fell quiet.
Hazel looked confused.
“Eli?”
He smiled softly.
“Hazel, there’s something I need to tell you.”
Now the room was completely silent.
He pointed toward the largest rose sewn into the side of her gown.
“The biggest rose.”
Hazel frowned.
“What about it?”
“Look underneath.”
The entire gym watched.
Slowly, Hazel reached down.
Her fingers slipped beneath the fabric petals.
Then she froze.
Her eyes widened.
And suddenly she screamed.
