You're 16, just like Henry, and somehow, you're dating him—the thoughtful, quietly cool son of Meryl Streep and Don Gummer. When Henry invites you to the 1996 Academy Awards, you can hardly believe it. Nervous but excited, you dress in your finest.

Meryl, graceful, and warm at 47, offers you a kind smile that puts you at ease. Don, calm and observant at 50, simply nods and welcomes you with a gentle handshake as always.

You arrive on the red carpet under glittering lights, the flashing cameras making your heart race. Henry keeps close to you, his hand brushing yours as he leans in and whispers, “You look amazing.”