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<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs prom season approached, I told my mom I didn\u2019t want to go. I was convinced it would only make me feel worse. But she encouraged me to give it a chance, saying it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Together, we picked out a dress. I styled my hair, put on makeup, and tried my best to feel confident. Eventually, I decided to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ballroom looked magical. Music filled the air, students laughed, posed for photos, and danced with their friends. Meanwhile, I stood near the edge of the room, feeling invisible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Caleb walked over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He was one of the most popular boys in school\u2014tall, confident, and admired by nearly everyone. He was a football star and always seemed to be surrounded by friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was completely confused when he stopped in front of me, smiled, and asked:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWould you like to dance?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before I could even process what was happening, he gently took my hand and led me onto the dance floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We spent most of the evening together. I could feel people watching us, but for the first time in years, I didn\u2019t care. I finally felt noticed. I finally felt like I belonged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the end of the night, Caleb even walked me home. He acted as though everything was perfectly normal, and when we said goodbye, I went to sleep with a smile on my face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The next morning, I woke up to loud pounding on the front door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My mother answered it while I followed behind, still half asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Standing outside were two police officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And next to them stood Caleb\u2019s parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They looked tense and worried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the officers turned toward me and immediately began asking questions about Caleb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I had no idea what was happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Confused, I quietly asked,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOfficer… what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The officer looked directly at me and said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMiss, are you telling me you truly have no idea what Caleb did last night?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A chill ran through my body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then he continued:<\/p>\n\n\n\n