She was invited to one Sweet Sixteen -- everyone was. It was for Meg Olsen, and the whole school had gotten pink embossed invitations in the mail.

Her mother went into such a flurry that there was no way to skip out. They went out to Sterns and bought a new dress and shoes to match. The day of the party, she felt like a scarecrow, tottering on heels, satin hanging limply from her shoulders. Her mother delivered her to the town's nicest restaurant, which had been rented for the night and turned into a huge puff of pink balloons and purple streamers. She dropped her present off at the door, awkwardly receiving Meg's formulaic thanking-hug, and found a coke and a corner. Everyone was gyrating on the dance floor or giggling in tiny groups huddled around tables. There were at least (at least!) two girls for every guy.

Just before the end, the waiters brought out a big cake, and Meg lit sixteen different candles, dedicating each one and calling people up to help her light them.

"This is for Jodi. Come up here, Jo. You're just the best sister ever... And this one is for Rachel and Liz and Daphne and Laura. You guys have stood by me through everything. I love you all... And grandma, you know I could never forget you!... And for Sean. Through thick and thin. You're the best boyfriend a girl could ask for."

Meg was crying by the last candle, and beaming through her tears. Then everyone watched her have one last dance with her father (all the girls cooed "How sweet!") before going home.