Brenda's crisis was that the prom was in two days. The epidemic was in the rearview mirror. However, we were experiencing sporadic outbreaks. The health services recommended testing if large groups would gather. Her date tested positive for COVID-19, and the school's rules said he couldn't attend.

"Perhaps you can get another date," our mother suggested.

She was stroking Brenda's back with one hand while holding her robe together with the other. She hadn't had time to tie it. A sheen of sweat covered the exposed parts of her body. Brenda was so distraught she didn't notice.

"There's nobody except the losers I wouldn't date. All the eligible guys already...