I am home again.
But I am me no longer.
When I left the village, ten years ago, I was but a poor farm boy.
I am a big shot now. A businessman, worthy of her in every way.
She won't have to be ashamed of me.
Screeching red letters assault my eyes: "Everyone is invited!"
It's the ultimate party or so it says on the poster.
I step out of the car and enter the locale, curious.
The image is blurred, but nevertheless clear.
It's a wedding. Her wedding.
And me, ever the farm boy, standing in the corner, skulking in the shadows.
I break into pieces.
Around me, I see many friends, enemies and acquaintances.
Him ... I don't know him. Who is he? Who is the man who took her from me?
She ... I can't see her face. And I need to. I must see her face.
How can I know what she feels on the inside if I can't look into her eyes?
Ifanyonecanshowjustcausewhythiscouplecannotlawfullybejoinedtogetherinholymatrimonyletthemspeaknoworforeverholdtheirpeace, I hear.
I want to shout it out loud: "Stop! We love each other! I won't allow it!"
Everything is over.
I go outside.
I start the car and drive away.
They will live together, now. They will have three children, a small house and many debts.
I will live bitter and alone, forever. My three children will be Migraine, Ulcer and Rheumatism. I will have a Manhattan apartment and a useless heap of money.
***
A/N: Theme song: "Abba: The Winner Takes It All."
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Tiny Tales | ✔️
Short StoryThis book is a collection of numerous short stories I have created, both mini and midi ones, written in the period of the past twenty years. Some of them are award-winning entries in various micronarrative competitions. Others were adapted with the...
