He placed his cane carefully on the polished floor.
Then they began walking.
Slowly.
Cane.
Step.
Step.
Cane.
Step.
Step.
Each movement was deliberate.
The gym gradually became quieter as people watched the seventy-nine-year-old farmer escort his granddaughter toward center court.
Mr. Halvorson continued reading her achievements.
“Kaylee has maintained honor-roll status throughout high school, participated in the National Honor Society, and shown dairy heifers through 4-H for eight years…”
Then someone in the highest row stood.
A second person followed.
Then another.
Within seconds, entire sections of the bleachers were rising.
People who had known my father for decades stood applauding.
Parents on the visiting side joined them.
Even the opposing volleyball team began clapping.
Soon, nearly everyone in the gym was on their feet.
I covered my mouth.
Tears blurred my vision.
But Dad didn’t seem to notice the attention.
He kept his eyes on the floor, concentrating on each careful step.
Kaylee held his arm proudly.
