Chapter 6: Reception and Collapse

The snacks at the First Lady’s reception were delicious, but still not as good as the pecan pie at Maple Diner.

Tiny silver trays passed by, stacked with canapés and frosted cupcakes. I nibbled politely, but nothing compared to a slice of pecan pie, gooey and sweet, with whipped cream on top. I wanted to tell the president’s chef how it should be done, but Mom would’ve had a fit.

While I was focused on eating, the president arrived, bringing with him a very handsome boy.

He had dark hair and sharp, serious eyes, dressed in a suit that made him look even older than he was. His shoes clicked on the marble, and even the Secret Service agents stood a little straighter. I felt a flutter of nerves—like when you spot a movie star at the grocery store.

This was only the third time I’d seen the president. My mom had just started to rise to greet him when he waved his hand, telling us there was no need for formalities.

His voice was gentle, almost grandfatherly. The room, already hushed, went silent as he smiled at us. There was no bowing or fancy handshakes—just a warm nod that made me feel a little less small.

As soon as he sat down, he beckoned Lily and me over, and we greeted him properly.

We did as Mom taught us—stood up straight, hands clasped, said, “Good afternoon, Mr. President.” My knees felt like jelly, but Lily’s voice was clear and strong.

After we finished, he kindly patted my head and said, "Your greeting is very proper this time."

His hand was cool, but the weight of it made me feel important—like I’d just been knighted. He ruffled my hair gently, the way Grandpa Joe did when I won at Monopoly. I felt a surge of pride, like I’d just aced a spelling bee.

I was so proud. I turned to show off to my mom, but saw that her eyes were red.

She blinked fast, like she was fighting tears. I felt a pang of worry and tried to catch her eye, silently asking, ‘What’s wrong?’

I wanted to run over and ask her what was wrong, but mom had told me to be on my best behavior in front of the president and First Lady. Now that the president was speaking to me, I couldn’t just run away.

I squeezed my hands together, bouncing on the balls of my feet, but stayed put. The president’s gaze was gentle, and I reminded myself—be good, just like Mom said.

I answered seriously, "Mm, because I practiced really hard at home."

He laughed heartily, and I saw his face, even paler than the First Lady’s, flush with a hint of red as he laughed.

His laughter echoed through the room. For a moment, it was like the sun came out from behind the clouds. I grinned so wide my cheeks hurt.

He kindly patted Lily’s head too, saying, "So proper and serious, just like your dad."

Lily replied, "Thank you for your praise, Mr. President."

Her voice was small, but steady. She looked the president straight in the eyes, and I thought she was the bravest person I’d ever known.

I looked at Lily with starry eyes, thinking she was really impressive.

My chest swelled with sisterly pride. Lily was always the composed one. I figured if anyone in our family would wind up in the history books, it’d be her.

I think dad is very tanned and not good-looking. If someone said I looked like dad, I’d probably be upset.

I wrinkled my nose at the thought—Dad was all windburned skin and crooked smiles, nothing like the sharp suits around us. But deep down, I wouldn’t trade him for anyone else.

The president was speaking gently with us one moment, but the next he started coughing and coughing, collapsing onto the First Lady.

The president’s cough sounded like thunder in the quiet room. Suddenly, grown-ups were everywhere, their faces pinched with worry.

The First Lady supported his back, calling out, "Get the doctor!"

Her voice cut through the hush, high and sharp. The room snapped to life—Secret Service rushing, aides on their phones, the air suddenly electric and tense.

It all happened so fast that when my mom held me in her arms, I still hadn’t come to my senses.

I clung to her, my cheek pressed to her coat. The world felt suddenly unsteady, like the ground could give way at any moment. My heart thudded so loud, I wondered if everyone could hear.