NEW REALITY

DAMIEN

The light filtering through the curtains feels almost too bright, a sharp contrast to the dim haze that has settled over my thoughts since the wedding. I’m sitting in my study, my tie loosened around my neck, the remnants of the previous night still lingering in my mind. The wedding. The chaos. The attention. It’s all been... a lot.

The soft hum of my phone vibrating on the desk breaks through my thoughts. I glance at the screen, noting Evans’ name flashing across it. I let out a sigh before picking it up and bringing the phone to my ear.

“Evans,” I say, my voice tinged with a weariness I can’t quite shake.

“Damien!” Evans’ voice booms through the speaker, full of energy, like always. “Man, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you all morning! How are you feeling, Mr. Married Man?”

I manage a chuckle, though it feels forced. “Feeling... married, I guess.”

Evans laughs, the sound hearty and genuine. “Come on, don’t be so serious. Yesterday was a blast! The wedding was incredible. Br