Linda didn’t flinch. “We needed it. We bought a dress for Hailey. And you’re being emotional. You don’t need a silly dress. Anyway, you’re not going to prom because your dad is out of town that weekend, so nobody would be here for pictures with you anyway.”

I clenched my jaw.

Linda tilted her head. “You’re a smart girl. You understand sacrifice.”

I glanced past her at Hailey, still spinning in the hallway, rhinestones scattering light. From Linda’s purse poked a receipt: $489.

“You used my money to buy Hailey’s dress?”

Linda’s smile stiffened. “It’s family money. We share things here. You’ll thank me in 10 years when you’re not drowning in loans.”

Dad rubbed his temples, the weight of it all pressing on him. “We’ll make it right,” he mumbled.

“When?” I asked. “Prom is in nine days.”

“We’ll… talk,” he said. Dad-code for nothing happening.

I cried into my pillow that night. Not because of fabric, but because of the sparkle I thought I’d lost.