My heart dropped as I heard the unbearable sound. I sucked in, hoping it was just my imagination. I heard the sound again. I looked at my mother with horror at the realization that the zipper on my dress was broken.

It was the night of prom, and my date awaited my appearance in the living room. The night did not start out as well as I had wished. I had worried for several weeks that the dress I had ordered from China would not come in on time, I did not think a cheap zipper sewn on the wrong way would be my biggest problem.

The first idea that came to mind was to safety pin my dress. After attempting to put my heels on, we learned that safety pins did not fulfill as a sturdy alternative. It was apparent that I either needed to use the dress I was to wear to my cousin’s wedding and risk ruining it, or think of another way to fix my dress. A needle and thread soon became my new worst and best friend.

My grandma spent a long time sewing my dress on me. I was tired and about ready to skip going to prom by the time she was finished. However, my dress was stuck on me, and the only thing that could get it off me was a pair of scissors. I could dance without the fear of accidently flashing my peers. The night ended with Taco Bell and finally arriving home to be cut out of my dress. When I woke up the next morning, half of the black sash and lace had fallen as well. I’ve decided that I will avoid ordering my prom dress online at all costs, regardless of if it’s a cheap, pretty dress. I’d rather not lean against the bathroom wall and be sewn into my dress all over again.