Special

Epilogue

The music boomed as Gael and I entered the school gym. An assortment of colourful flowers to symbolise spring decorated the venue. Flowers weaved into letters spelling out "Spring Ball" hung at the entrance. Intricately hung string lights illuminated the dim-lit room like stars in the night sky, accentuating the magical evening.

Keeping up with the theme, everyone wore something colourful or with a floral pattern or trinket.

Flashing lights bloomed as the two designated photographers took pictures. One worked the floor while the other manned the floral decorated backdrop where Allie, Oliver, Ailin and Maya posed for some photos.

Allie waved us over when she noticed us, insisting we join them.

Nervously — at least on my part — we did, loosening up with every flash, taking loads of fun and goofy pictures. Christie, Harper and a few other kids soon joined us as well.

The music faded and the high-pitched rasp of a microphone tore through the speakers.

'Good evening,' Mrs McKinley's voice boomed, putting an end to the chatter in the gym.

Mrs McKinley stood on the stage, speaking through a cordless microphone in her hand. 'Welcome to the annual Spring Ball. First of all, I would like to thank the planning committee for making this evening possible. Thank you for your time and efforts. The setup is spectacular.'

The room was silent, attentively listening.

'Isn't it amazing?' Mrs McKinley asked.

Everyone clapped and cheered in agreement.

'Spring symbolises many things,' Mrs McKinley continued, 'hope, joy, new beginnings. I like to look at it as a time to do some spring cleaning. A time to get rid of the old and make room for the new.

'Change can be daunting. Letting go of the old can be difficult, but we have to in order to make room for the new.

'Sometimes, we hold on to things no longer serving us that consume the room for wonderful new experiences in our lives. We hold on to grudges. We hold on to old patterns.

'To let go, we have to question our beliefs.

'Certain situations may seem beyond our control and it's often easy to point fingers and shift blame, but when we do this, we give away our power and capacity to make a difference.

'That's not to say there are no injustices or malicious acts. There most certainly are. Whether we see ourselves as the perpetrator, victim, or indifferent bystander we are responsible for shaping our society by what we choose to do or allow.

'When we can look inward and subjectively see our part in any given situation, we begin to tap into our power and realise that the change we want to see starts within us.

'We have a voice, and we have a choice. We can speak up against injustice. We can choose not to participate, or we can choose to help. Whatever we decide to do, we do have the power.

'In light of recent events, I would like us all to reflect and see how we can do better. I want us to ask ourselves what kind of world we want to live in? How are we showing up in our life? Are we treating the people around us the way we wish to be treated? What is it we are holding on to that is preventing us from change?'

An air of seriousness lingered in the remarkably quiet gym.

'On a more positive note,' Mrs McKinley proceeded, 'it was recently brought to my attention that a group of students have been extending their hearts to others during lunch to ensure no one sits alone. I commend all who are involved —'

Ailin clapped, catching and composing himself when no one else did. All eyes fell on him.

'They do deserve a round of applause,' Mrs McKinley chimed, clapping her hands.

The entire gym applauded.

'Thank you,' Mrs McKinley said.

The crowd grew quiet.

'I had a discussion with the principal, and our doors are open to any similar ideas, suggestions or discussions on how the school could aid this wonderful initiative.

'Our doors are open to anyone who needs our help.

'Thank you all for coming today. I would once again like to thank the planning committee for the excellent organisation. You have all done an extraordinary job. Thank you!'

The crowd cheered.

'I now hand over to the planning committee president for a few words. Please welcome Christie, everyone!'

More cheering.

Christie walked onto the stage, shaking Mrs McKinley's hand and taking the mic.

'Thank you, Mrs McKinley,' she started. She unfolded a piece of paper and read from it, her voice high pitched and a little shaky. 'It is tradition for the spring king and queen to open the dance floor; however, in light of the recent tragic events, the planning committee thought it would be best to shake things up a little.'

Her tone and fluidity improved the longer she spoke. 'We often get so caught up in competition that we forget we all matter. We separate ourselves. We see each other too much as rivals that we tend to forget why we strive for success or to be the best. At the end of the day we all just want to be happy. But happiness at the expense of others is not real happiness. It is a precedent for superiority and subjugation.

'We are all valuable. We all matter and tonight we're all spring kings and queens.'

The gym roared until Christie said, 'Thank you.'

When the crowd was finally quiet, she added, 'I hope you all have a wonderful evening. Without further ado, I officially open the dance floor.'

The music turned up, but no one danced.

Ailin extended his hand towards Allie. She accepted it. He guided her to the dance floor, braking out some interesting moves. Allie joined in.

A couple of other kids followed them to the dance floor.

Gael offered me his hand.

'I can't dance,' I told him.

'Neither can I,' he said.

I took his hand.

We walked onto the dance floor and swayed to the music.

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