The newly formed promise to Serina.

So Olivia kept hers. 

The one she had made to the people who had always been there.

Her sisterhood.

Sarah, who lived right by her and was often baffled by Olivia’s choices.
And Violeta, whose softness could probably cause world peace, if the world were fair.

The city was small. Small enough that everyone left prom shopping to the last minute. With so few stores, people kept crossing the same street again and again, like planets in slow orbit.

"Either emerald green or navy! And you’ll have to match me!”

“I’ve compiled a list!” Violeta said, holding up her phone.
“All these stores have sparkly dresses on their websites.”

“Violeta… you want a sparkly dress?” Sarah asked in disbelief.
The vintage scarf around Violeta’s neck answered the question for her.

“Not for me! For Olivia!” she laughed, mimicking a cartoon villain.
“Don’t worry, you’ll have your moment too, Sarah.”

“In that case dearest friends,” Olivia smiled, “I’ll only allow it if they’re to be pastel colours.”

“Please. As if you could make it more obvious,” Sarah said, pointing at Olivia’s powder-blue skirt.

The warmth between them felt stable.
Quiet.
Just Right.