Chapter 26 - The next wedding
Three years after the Aldercrest wedding, Ellen and I attended another wedding.
My niece Sophie.
Smaller venue.
Garden ceremony.
No imported champagne.
No drama.
At least none visible.
Ellen wore flats.
I noticed.
“You abandoned heels?”
“I learned.”
“From Michael?”
“From being sixty-four.”
Fair.
During the reception, someone bumped Ellen’s shoulder.
She flinched.
Tiny.
Almost invisible.
Then relaxed.
Later the venue photographer asked for a family photograph.
Michael was there.
Invited by Sophie.
Cassandra was not.
Different family branch.
Michael stood twenty feet away.
Ellen saw him.
He did not approach.
That had been the rule.
Let her decide.
After a minute Ellen raised one hand.
Michael came over slowly.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi.”
No hug.
The photographer said:
“Everyone squeeze in.”
Michael looked at Ellen before moving closer.
She nodded.
He stood beside her.
Not touching.
The camera clicked.
That photograph did not mean everything was repaired.
May you like
It meant one photograph was possible.
Enough.
