Before the Vows

Vittoria

Morning came softly, as if it were afraid of startling me.

A pale light crept through the sheer curtains of the bridal suite, touching the edges of silk and lace, kissing the gold-framed mirror, catching in the small crystal vials of perfume lined up along the vanity. The world outside was uncharacteristically still. Even the distant city noise seemed hushed, as if it too understood what