Mother’s fussing with my hair, blathering on and on about how happy she is for me. How good life will be for me as Royce’s wife.

She coos about the ring Royce gave me when he asked me to marry him.

Fawns over all the things we’ll need to do in time for the wedding. Get the dress. The flowers. Who to invite, where to place them.

I let it all wash over me, not quite able to match her enthusiasm.

I know marrying Royce will make a good match.

It’ll make my parents very happy.

But what about me?