They never laughed last.
Vanessa smiled and turned back toward the mirror, admiring herself in the gown.
The room slowly breathed again. The consultant resumed pinning fabric. My mother adjusted her cardigan and stared at the floor.
Everyone thought the moment had passed.
Everyone except me.
“Mom,” I said softly. “Why don’t you go home and rest?”
She looked worried.
“Adrian…”
“It’s okay.”
She knew me well enough to understand those two words carried a storm behind them.
After she left, Vanessa slipped her arm through mine.
“You were being
