The Prom Surprise
Molly sat quietly, her heart heavy as she stood by her mother Daisy’s coffin. The 17-year-old girl couldn’t believe her mom was gone. Suddenly, someone called out, “Molly, look! Your dad’s here!”
Molly turned to see Danny, her father, approaching. Ten years ago, he and Daisy had divorced. Since then, all Molly had heard were terrible stories about him—how he was a “drunkard” and a “bad influence.” Although Molly didn’t hold any bitterness towards him, she missed their father-daughter bond. But after her mother’s funeral, everything was about to change.
“Hey, sweetheart!” Danny said with a big smile as he hugged her tightly. He placed a beautiful wreath on Daisy’s coffin, a small gesture of love.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted, “Sir, is that truck yours? It’s blocking half the parking. You mind moving it?” It was a guest at the funeral, looking annoyed.
“Yeah, that’s my truck. Give me a second. I’ve just met my daughter. Hope you understand. Thank you!” Danny replied, his eyes still shining with happiness.
This was the first time Danny had seen Molly in years. The only connection they shared was through the child support he sent, but Daisy never let him see her, fearing he would lead her astray. Now, with the funeral over and everyone gone, Danny gathered up Molly’s things and announced, “We’re going to my house.”
“A parcel? Who sent it?” Danny wondered aloud, finding a package among her belongings. The card read, “For Dad of the Year.”
“Why, Dad? I can’t leave this house. Mom and I lived here. It’s filled with our memories,” Molly said sadly, a frown on her face.
Danny knew he couldn’t leave her behind, especially since she often needed a wheelchair. Molly had a condition in her left leg that made her limp, a result of something that happened when she was six.
Two days later, they arrived at Danny’s house. Although it was small and messy, Molly felt comforted by her dad’s presence. It made her feel loved.
But as the days went by, Danny struggled to take care of her. He had missed so much of her life, and simple things like braiding her hair felt like climbing a mountain. He watched online videos, trying his best. He even cleared out his bedroom so Molly could have a cozy space to sleep. He bought her a fluffy new bed to ensure she could rest well.
Yet, there was something Danny was hiding. Every night, after Molly fell asleep, he slipped out of the house. Molly didn’t know where he went; she could only guess he was out drinking, just like her mother always warned her.
A few days later, Molly stepped off the school bus, tears streaming down her cheeks. She found the front door locked and a note tucked behind a plant that read, “The keys are under the pot. I will be back soon. See ya! — Dad.”
Molly scowled, recalling her mother’s stories about her dad’s “odd” habits. “He’s probably out drinking at four in the afternoon,” she thought, feeling a knot in her stomach.
Hours went by, and Danny didn’t come home. Feeling lonely and abandoned, Molly cooked herself some pasta, leaving a little for her dad. Then she lay on her bed, crying.
“If only I was normal,” she sobbed. “I wouldn’t be the odd one out. I would have found a date for the prom.”
Molly’s teacher had announced their senior prom recently, and all her classmates had dates. Everyone except Molly. Who would want to dance with someone who limped?
Danny arrived home just as Molly’s cries reached a peak. “What happened, darling? Why are you crying?” he asked, concern etched across his face.
Molly, still sniffling, poured out her heart. “I don’t have a date. I even asked some boys if one of them would at least dance with me during prom, but they laughed and said no. I don’t want to go to the prom, Daddy! I want to be alone! Goodnight!”
She turned her back on him, tears soaking her pillow.
Danny felt a surge of determination. He couldn’t let his daughter stay sad. The next day, he went shopping and found a stunning prom dress. He couldn’t wait to surprise her.
When prom night arrived, it was magical. As senior students and their parents gathered outside the hall, a loud roar of an engine caught everyone’s attention.
Suddenly, Danny jumped down from his truck. He carefully placed a wheelchair on the lawn and helped Molly get out. As he pushed the wheelchair down the red carpet, everyone watched in amazement.
Then, the music started. Danny took Molly’s hand and led her to the dance floor. He lifted her up and spun her around in circles, matching his movements to the rhythm of the music. In that moment, Molly forgot about her disability. She laughed with joy as her dad danced with her.
“My dad is my real superhero! I love him more than anything else in this world. I feel blessed and proud to say I’m his daughter!” Molly exclaimed to her friends after the dance.
Meanwhile, Danny became the star of the evening. Parents surrounded him, praising and applauding his efforts. He shared stories about his journey with Molly, unaware of how that night would change everything for both of them.
After their fun-filled night, Danny and Molly returned home, chatting excitedly about the prom. Danny tucked Molly into bed and quietly left the room.
That night, Danny drove to his second job at a local nursing home. He had been working tirelessly to save money for Molly’s treatment. Years ago, when her disability was first diagnosed, many had told him and Daisy that Molly would never walk. But one doctor had promised he could help.
So, Danny had given up partying. He worked two jobs, pouring all his energy into providing for Molly. Daisy had never understood; she thought he was wasting time at the pub. When Danny tried to explain, she never believed him, and their arguments led to their split.
As Danny drove, memories of his past flooded his mind, weighing him down. But he pushed through, knowing it was all for Molly. When he finally returned home, he was unprepared for what awaited him.
The next morning, Danny found a package in his mailbox. “A parcel?? Who sent it?” he wondered. Inside, he discovered a check for $10,000 along with a note that read, “Dear Danny, we hope this will improve your daughter’s life. Good luck with her surgery, and we hope you spend more time with her in the evenings. Best Wishes, Your Prom Buddies!”
Tears of joy filled Danny’s eyes as he realized the parents he had met the night before were behind this incredible gift. He rushed home to share the news with Molly.
“Really?! My God, Daddy… This is unbelievable!” Molly cried, jumping into his arms, her laughter ringing through the house.
With the money Danny had saved and the $10,000 check, Molly underwent her surgery. It was a success! Slowly but surely, she was able to walk without crutches.
Danny quit his second job, wanting to spend every moment he could with Molly. She received a scholarship to study architecture in another state and was set to leave in three months.
Determined to make the most of their time together, Danny taught Molly to cook, dance, cycle, and even run. He wanted her to have a normal life, one filled with adventures and laughter. They created countless memories, never looking back at the days when she needed a wheelchair or crutches.
As they prepared for her new journey, Danny knew they had both changed for the better. Love, hard work, and a little surprise had transformed their lives forever.
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