Chapter 6 - The Exit from the Marble
Elena’s small, worn shoes tapped softly against the marble floor as her son guided her down the long aisle.
Tap.
Tap.
She didn't look back at the grand altar, or the white flower arches, or the wedding cake left standing under the bright spotlights.
She rested her head against the rough wool of Julian’s tuxedo jacket, her breathing slowly evening out.
Behind them, Valeria stood alone in the center of the aisle, her red cheeks burning under the cold glare of the chandeliers.
The guests remained silent, no one rising to help her, no one offering a handkerchief for her tears.
At the heavy wooden exit doors of the hall, Julian pushed the brass handles open with his hand.
The bright, cool daylight from the courtyard flooded into the dark room, washing over them.
Outside, the air smelled of rain and wet grass.
Elena took a long, deep breath, her chest expanding beneath her floral blouse.
"Julian?" she asked softly, looking up into her son's face.
"Yes, Mother?"
"Are your shoes dirty from the flowers?"
Julian looked down at his black leather boots, seeing a smudge of red petal dust near the toe.
He smiled softly, the tension finally leaving his jaw.
May you like
"No, Mother," he whispered, bending down to kiss her forehead. "They're clean."
They stepped out into the daylight together, leaving the dark hall and the white silk behind them for good.
