𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 || EDDIE MUNSON

Sweet Gestures

BRANDY stood in front of the old mirror in her bedroom, the soft hum of a curling iron and the faint scent of hairspray filling the air. Her room, cluttered with posters of rock bands and scattered school books, felt almost transformed tonight, a quiet anticipation woven into the fabric of the evening. She wore a pastel lavender dress, unmistakably of the 80s, with puffed sleeves that ballooned just past her elbows, a cinched waistline that flared into a ruffled skirt, and delicate lace trim along the neckline. The fabric shimmered subtly under the bedroom light, the kind of dress that whispered teenage dreams and shy hopes. It was nothing like the bold neon or tight spandex styles that dominated the decade's dance floors, but Brandy liked it that way, soft, classic, just daring enough to feel special without shouting for attention.

Her mother hovered nearby, deft hands working through Brandy's golden curls with surprising gentleness. Each twist and wave seemed to carry years of unspoken affection and small sacrifices, as if with every strand arranged, her mother wove together memories of Brandy's childhood and hopes for her future. "Hold still, honey," her mom murmured, her voice warm but carrying a faint edge of nerves she tried to mask. "You look so beautiful." Brandy's cheeks flushed a soft pink, both from the compliment and the sudden realization that she was more than just a kid now. "So grown up." her mother added with a bittersweet smile, as if saying goodbye to the little girl she once held.

Brandy bit her lip as the curling iron hissed softly near her ear. It was strange, this moment, a mix of excitement and dread twisting inside her like the curls falling onto her shoulders. Her mom was humming quietly, picking out loose hairs and pinning them back with shiny clips, her fingers steady despite the tension in the room. "You're gonna turn heads tonight," she said excitedly, almost whispering. Brandy wanted to believe her, to let the compliment soak in, but the gnawing worry about Eddie and the night's unknown kept her grounded. Still, the familiar presence of her mom soothed her, a steady anchor against the storm of emotions swirling in her chest.

The ritual continued, the soft click of the hairspray can punctuating their shared silence. "You remind me of me when I was your age," her mom said suddenly, laughter cracking the tender atmosphere like a secret passed down through generations. Brandy's eyes widened, a smile breaking through the nerves. "I was just as nervous and awkward, but I always contained on, even if I was scared inside." Her mom brushed a loose curl behind Brandy's ear, the movement gentle and reassuring. "And you, Brandy, you've got that same spark. Don't let anything dim it." It was more than just a compliment, it was a charge, a fragile hope handed down like an heirloom.

By the time her mother stepped back, the room felt different, a little brighter, filled with unspoken love and the weight of possibility. Brandy caught her reflection again, this time studying the soft waves framing her face and the delicate sheen of the dress, and for a moment, she allowed herself to imagine the night ahead, not the fears or the awkwardness, but the thrill of dancing, the music pulsing through her veins, and maybe, just maybe, Eddie's hand finding hers. Her mother smiled quietly, her eyes misting as she whispered, "Go on, be beautiful tonight." And with a final, steadying breath, Brandy stepped out of her room, ready to face the madness of homecoming.

Brandy and her mom stepped into the living room, the familiar scent of old wood and lavender wrapping around them. Her mom paused, eyes softening as she looked at Brandy in that flowy dress. "Your dad would be proud," she said quietly, voice catching just a little like she was trying not to cry. "You're really growing up, you know?"

Brandy shrugged, half-smiling but mostly feeling like she wanted to change the subject before the lump in her throat got worse. "Don't go getting sappy on me now, mom." she said, trying to sound casual but the small laugh that escaped her chest showed her true sentimentality with the words. Her mom gave a small shake of her head, like she didn't quite buy it, and then said softly,