that death was easier than honesty.
I heard music begin inside the ceremony space.
Julian grabbed my arm.
“Meredith, please don’t do anything.”
I pulled away.
“Don’t touch me.”
Then Colleen appeared.
She looked from Julian to me and closed her eyes.
“You told her.”
“He didn’t have to,” I replied.
“Meredith, please.”
“You held my hand.”
Her face crumpled.
“I know.”
“You watched me cry over your son.”
“I know.”
“You let me stand in front of that coffin.”
Tears filled her eyes.
“I thought I was protecting him.”
“From what?”
She looked toward the groom’s room.
“From ruining his life.”
I felt my throat tighten.
“So you ruined mine instead?”
She had no answer.
As the ceremony music changed, I finally saw the bride.
Sarah stood near the entrance with an older man beside her.
She looked nervous and happy.
She also looked completely unaware.
That changed everything.
