"Right, just a dance," Deborah echoed.
"Promise us you'll try to have fun?" Faith pleaded, her eyes wide with concern for her friend.
"I promise," Deborah said, the words forming a pact she intended to keep. For her friends, for Mrs. Jackson, but most importantly, for herself.
"Good," Imogene added, her voice soft yet firm. "Because we're all rooting for you."
"Even Jane," Deborah thought, her chest tightening at the mention of the youngest among them, left behind due to the cruel constraint of time.
"Thank you, everyone," Deborah said, her gratitude interwoven with determination. She turned back to her reflection, seeing not just a shy orphan but a courageous soul ready to face the unknown.
"Let's show Texas what we're made of," she declared, more to herself than to anyone else.
