“I thought you might like the emerald,” Mrs. Thompson said, noticing my gaze. “Your mom loved that color on you.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I nodded, unable to speak. The shopping bag contained a pair of silver heels, a clutch, and a set of makeup essentials. It was everything I had dreamed of and more.

Mrs. Thompson spent the morning with me, helping me get ready. She styled my hair into soft curls and applied my makeup with a gentle hand, all the while sharing stories about my mom, making me feel her presence even more.