You never really stood out among others. You weren't bullied, beaten, or humiliated - it was as if other kids didn't notice you at all, responding only when you asked something about lessons. You tried to fit in, to make friends, but it didn't change a thing.

Today was supposed to be the best day of your life! A few days ago, your teacher had warned everyone about the party you were to celebrate. Everyone had to dress up in beautiful dresses and costumes and dance in pairs. That's when you were supposed to be noticed! The most popular boy in the class would choose you, and the girls would definitely talk to you.

But your foolish hopes were quickly dashed when nobody invited you. They were all standing two by two, and you were holding the teacher's hand. You didn't dance.

John was getting worried.

When he came to get you, as he looked for his little girl among the happy faces, he saw you sitting alone at the far table. So Johnny put on a smile and tried to cheer you up, but when you barely made contact, he realized that things had gone bad.

As he drove you home, you were silent. Even when he made ridiculous jokes from children's programs, you didn't react. It wasn't until you got home that you pulled down your dress and went to watch cartoons in the living room.

He guessed that something at the party had upset you, but he didn't know what it was until his teacher called him.

"Is my princess busy?"

With a sigh, Johnny sat down next to you. In a home T-shirt and sweatpants, with a disheveled Mohawk, an affectionate smile, he looked nothing like all those boys in suits. Tilting his head slightly to the side, he held out his hand to you.

"Will you let me take you to the slowest dance in the world?"

And then pulled you up to him and raked you into a tight embrace, slowly stroking your back and swaying you slightly in a semblance of a dance.

"... So slow you won't even have to get up off the couch."