I
It's nearly noon and it's almost time.
Everything is were it's supposed to be.
I've done what my parents asked me to do.
I set the table, I baked the cake with my mother, I cleaned up my room.
I sent the invitations a week ago so everyone could come.
My friends should be here soon.
What if no one comes? What if there won't be any friends.
I'm so nervous.
II
I worked hard for this. For my entire life.
Sleepless nights making last notes to my essays. Endless headaches for reading too much. Lost friendships for being too dedicated. Tears I've shed for this.
Soon I will walk down there. Get the paper I've wanted for five years.
A piece of paper that will change my life forever.
I am giving a speech. Honorary student. That's what they say I am.
My hands are shaking.
III
Red roses, expensive champagne, a walk in the moonlight.
That was perfection. He shouldn't even exist.
This has been the most romantic date I've ever been. Maybe this happened too soon.
He kneeled down.
A warm wave through my chest. He asked. He asked!
IV
I can't believe I'm here.
The walls. The stairs. The kitchen. The bathroom. The backyard.
My fiancé. My darling fiancé.
We just need to sign the paper.
The real estate agent looks at us.
Of course we will take this.
My stomach turns when I take the pen.
V
I'm looking at myself in the mirror. I brush my hair behind my ear.
I take a deep breath. The music reaches me.
He looks so handsome. I love him so much.
We can't seem to break the eye contact.
I grasp the bouquet tighter.
"...as your husband; love, honour and cherish him now and forevermore?"
A tear escapes from the corner of my eye.
VI
I put my shoes on. My husband grabs the bag and runs out of the house.
I lean on the wall. I breath heavily. This is it.
My husband drives faster than in the best action movies ever made.
He pulls right in front of the main entrance.
They give me some pills.
The pain. I have to scream.
"When ever you are ready, push"
VII
We pull off the next exit on the highway.
I glance him from the rear mirror.
His headphones are hanging around his neck.
'Our youngest one' I think and smile.
There's cardboard boxes everywhere. The lift is broken.
I unpack the mugs. Exhale.
Hug him goodbye.
"Call us"
VIII
I take out the dress I wish I didn't have to wear.
I put on earrings. Fit the shoes on.
Take the red rose and walk out the door to the car waiting outside.
Our children in the front row. I sat down.
Handkerchiefs.
I throw the rose to the pit.
"I will always love you"
---
The last seconds are different for each person in each part of life.
And every single one of them is important.
So cherish the moment. Each and every one of them.
Otherwise you will wake up one day to realize your life has passed you by when you weren't watching close enough.
x
