see Coach Daniels without his hat.”
Diane laughed through her tears.
She crossed the room and sat beside her daughter.
Aaron stood to give her space.
As he moved toward me, I touched his arm.
“You did all of this without telling me.”
“I thought you might worry.”
“I did worry.”
He winced.
“Sorry.”
“But I also don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of you.”
He glanced around the crowded room.
“I didn’t do it by myself.”
“No,” I said. “But you gave everyone the courage to begin.”
Part Six: What Diane Could Not Say
Over the following hour, the room filled with stories and laughter.
The soccer players presented Lily with a team jersey signed by every player. One teacher brought a stack of handwritten messages from students. Coach Daniels announced that the team would dedicate its next match to her.
Aaron had also arranged for the players to
