The wedding

Elara had called her mother the day before her wedding, feeling the heaviness in her heart for the conversation she knew she had to have.

“Hello, Mom,” she said, trying to keep her voice light. “How are you?”

“I’m fine, Elara. How are you?” her mother asked. Elara could sense the unease in her voice.

“Is something wrong, Mother?” she asked, her concern growing.

“Nothing,” her mother replied quickly, though Elara could tell she was holding something back.

“Is James there with you?” Elara inquired, thinking she could ask her brother what was wrong with their mother.

“No, he’s out with his friends,” her mother answered. James was the social one, always surrounded by friends, unlike Elara, who preferred the company of a single close friend. “Why did you call? Do you have news for me?”

“Yes, Mother,” Elara began, her heart racing. “I’m getting married.”

There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. Then her mother’s voice, sharp and incredulous, broke the silence. “What! You’re