THE WEDDING

A door closes behind her, ahead stretches a narrow carpeted aisle and a short walk to an uncertain end. She looks down the well-lit path into shadows. Before her, it leads to a sudden stop, pause, kneel and ”I do”. Do I? I will, won’t I?

An oil painted crucifixion scene fills the alcove at the end; mute witness to her action or portent of the future? Whether it approves or disapproves she can’t tell but its presence makes her somehow less comfortable. Not panic, just a vague feeling of unrest as she contemplates the rows of expectant faces turned toward her, waiting, watching.

Music from a concealed organ swells urging her forward, the steady beat insistent, almost dragging her feet toward the waiting trio at the end of the aisle; only a dozen paces, but they stretch into infinity, into the unknown beyond. Is this it, is this her future, the closing off of options, enclosing her in this narrow boxed in space? She feels a tiny frisson of fear as she takes her first step.

She begins. The thoughts behind her eyes concealed by the white veil. Her dress, made by her own hand with its secret expansion panel, moves forward almost of its own volition.