A few days before the prom, Anastasia's condition could be said to have improved quite a bit. Although she still looked sad and gloomy at times, the girl was already able to smile when she heard some of the childhood jokes I told her. The cuts on her wrist were now covered by bandages.
During her stay at the hospital, not many people came to visit my daughter. Only a few representatives from the school teachers showed up, without much sympathy on their faces, bringing fruit baskets and wishes for her speedy recovery. Classmates? There was only one boy.
If I remember correctly, his name was Prince. He claimed to be my daughter's friend. The teenage boy, who was taller than me, also brought a fruit basket. I recall him sitting beside the bed where Anastasia lay.
"Get well," he said, holding my daughter's hand. "Can't wait to see you smile again."
Prince was a good boy, I thought. I didn't know what kind of relationship they had, but from the gentle way he treated her, it seemed Anastasia and Prince shared something more than just an ordinary friendship. Like in the movies, I could imagine Anastasia being bullied by an entire class, then defended and protected by Prince, the only one who could see the truth.
Thankfully, after this, no one would bother Anastasia or Drizella anymore. All of Ella's lies would be straightened out, just as she had promised me.
I remember Ella also visiting Anastasia at the hospital. The girl apologized to her. She admitted that she had been wrong, that she had acted cruelly by spreading those false rumors. "I won't do it again," she promised, crying as she hugged Anastasia, who was unable to say anything. "You're my kindest sister. Please forgive me, Anastasia."
Seeing Ella's remorseful expression that day, I thought she had truly changed. I thought she had realized her mistakes and had begun to see us as her new family. Moreover, Drizella also said that no one was bothering her at school anymore. When a group of girls tried to harass Drizella in the cafeteria, Ella firmly stood up against the bullying of her sister.
"It's strange," Drizella commented when she told me about it. "Ella still hasn't exposed the lies she made, but it's like…" My daughter shook her head in disbelief. "It feels like a miracle."
I could only smile upon hearing it.
Who would have thought that the punishment I gave Ella would have such a fast and powerful effect? Ella truly obeyed me. Just by confiscating the photo of her with her biological mother, Ella was easily placed in the palm of my hand. I was her mother for now. I thought I was the one responsible for Ella's future life.
True to her promise, Ella also wore that gown and those glass shoes to attend the prom. And do you know, Inspector? The gown and the shoes truly suited Ella. The size fit perfectly. The blue color also matched Ella's fair skin. With her long hair styled in a high bun, my daughter looked far more beautiful than usual.
Ella was ready to become the queen of the prom. However, on the other hand, Anastasia and Drizella had one major problem.
My two daughters did not have partners yet.
Because Anastasia had to be hospitalized earlier. And also because there was no boy who wanted to ask Drizella to be his partner.
I felt concerned when I heard that. Indirectly, it was also because of the lies Ella had made in the past. Anastasia and Drizella were shunned. But of course, I couldn't blame Ella. Ella had changed. I shouldn't bring up her past mistakes anymore. Besides, Ella had already left earlier with her partner, who was waiting in the car.
What should I do? Anastasia and Drizella insisted that they didn't want to go to the prom if they didn't have partners. As a mother, what could I do for my beloved daughters?
I knew Anastasia and Drizella had been looking forward to the prom. They looked happy when I bought them new dresses. At the dining table, they also often talked about the prom. How luxurious and lively it would be. How delicious the cakes, snacks, and drinks would taste. How many candles would be hung and lit. I knew, deep down, they truly wanted to attend that end-of-year party.
"You're just lacking confidence," I said, trying to encourage them. "It's okay."
I was reminded of their childhood. When Anastasia and Drizella first entered elementary school. It was the same back then. They both whined and didn't want to go into class. They were shy, afraid, and wanted to go home more than anything. My little daughters hadn't changed much.
"How about Mama takes you to school?" Just like I often did in the past, offering them a bit of hope. "Maybe you'll find your partners at the prom. Mama's sure there will be boys who come alone too, without partners." Perhaps Prince, whom I believed had crush for Anastasia, was already waiting.
"But, Mom." Anastasia, who had just returned from the hospital three days earlier, looked uncertain. Drizella was the same. "What if…"
"That's enough. Don't think about bad things. We'd better get ready soon. Mama will help you with your makeup."
Still with doubt visible in their eyes, the two girls nodded.
If earlier you wondered why an old woman like me came to a school prom, Inspector. This is the reason.
I only wanted to escort my two daughters. I wanted to make sure they were okay, especially Anastasia, who had just recovered. I knew I shouldn't have forced Anastasia to attend the event. I could see her pale skin and trembling shoulders during the drive. Anastasia must have been thinking about terrible things, recalling the bullying she had once endured from her classmates.
"Things like that will never happen again," I said as I drove the car. "Just relax. This party will be a fun one. There's nothing you need to worry about." I said that not only for Anastasia and Drizella, but also to convince myself.
As a mother, of course I didn't want anything to happen to my daughters. I wanted the best for them. By making them attend the prom, I thought my daughters would regain their confidence. Since no one would bother them anymore, I believed they would make more friends, dance all night, and have fun like teenagers normally do. Anastasia might forget her desire to end her life, and Drizella… that girl might be happy just because she could eat lots of sweet snacks there.
The event was supposed to be a joyful party. A prom night filled with sweet memories.
We finally arrived at the school at around eleven at night. Very late, indeed. But it didn't matter. The front gate was still wide open. The garden lights illuminated the pathway. Rows of luxurious cars of various models were neatly lined up in the parking lot. There were several pairs of students wandering outside the school building. With glasses of juice in their hands, they whispered, glanced, and examined our appearance from head to toe.
I thought there was nothing wrong with how we looked. Anastasia wore a lovely dress, her makeup was normal, not too heavy. I had also styled her hair carefully to make her look beautiful. Drizella was the same. My two daughters looked stunning. I didn't understand why those children looked as if they were holding back laughter when Anastasia, Drizella, and I walked past them.
"The prom is in the hall, Mom," Anastasia told me with her head lowered.
Although I already knew, I still nodded.
The hall where the prom was held was not far from the front lobby. Straight ahead, past the locker room and the east corridor. The closer we got, the louder the sound of piano and violin music became, along with the increasingly strong scent of perfume. Girls in beautiful gowns gathered together, blending with handsome boys wearing neat suits.
"Have fun," I said when we were just one step away from the hall door. "Tonight is yours."
I looked at Drizella as she turned her head. Our eyes met, exchanging smiles. Strong Drizella would be fine. I nodded, reassuring myself. Then my gaze shifted to Anastasia.
Do you know what Anastasia's expression was like at that moment, Inspector?
I hoped the girl would smile, just like her sister, Drizella. But no, Inspector. Anastasia was crying. Tears fell from the corners of her eyes. Clearly not tears of happiness. I don't know how long I stared at her. My daughter froze, her gaze empty, fixed on a single point in the middle of the hall.
Ella and Prince were dancing together.