My prom dress stayed untouched while I faced a stage 3 diagnosis—until my date did something at prom that changed my life forever.

”

I looked away, but he wouldn’t budge.

He squeezed my hand.

“You are still Elena.”

My throat tightened.

“Nothing about this disease changes who you are.”

I couldn’t speak.

After a moment, he smiled.

“Come on.”

Against every instinct screaming inside me, I followed him.

The moment we entered the gym, I regretted it.

The room felt quieter.

Not completely silent.continue reading …