Sandy was digging through her closet for something to wear to the Halloween party at the Krusty Krab. There was nothing there that she really cared about. She almost considered going as a fish in a bowl for the second year in a row. Nah, that wasn't really a big hit last year…. Finally, she reached the end of her medium-sized closet. She was about to give up when she noticed the long, silver box on top of the shelf. A smile grew on her face when the memories came back to her.
It was the day before she was leaving for a new life in the ocean; her mother was crying and didn't want her to go.
"Oh! Sandy, are you sure you can't stay here and do your science stuff? You'll be so far away!"
"Ma, we've talked about this. I gotta go before I miss my flight!"
"Ok, but before you leave, I have something to give you." Her mother walked away and came back moments later, holding something behind her back. "I bought this in case you ever find someone special down there." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she handed her only daughter the silver box. Sandy gave her a questioning look but opened it anyways. Inside was a long, gorgeous, red dress and a silver acorn necklace to go along with it.
"Ma! You didn't have to get me anything!"
"Of course I did! You seriously think I'm gonna let you leave without anything to remember me by? Now, run along Dear and catch your plane before I try to stop you. I love you honey!"
"Love you too Ma, I'll miss you!"
"I'll miss you too Sweetie! Good bye!" With that, her mother softly kissed her on the cheek and watched silently as Sandy walked across the yard and into a waiting cab.
That was the last time Sandy had seen her mother.
"Well, maybe if it still fits, I could wear it to the party." She slipped the dress over her head. It felt ok, she supposed. A little tight, but hey, she had changed some in the ten years since she was given the dress. Next, she put on the necklace. After she had arranged everything, she went into the bathroom and looked in her mirror. She almost gasped. She looked wonderful in her outfit! If only her mother had been there to see her. She swallowed down the lump in her throat and felt her eyes start to water. She missed her Ma so much!
"This is perfect." She slipped back out of the dress and went to hang it up, along with the necklace. Now, all she had to do was wait for tomorrow night.