Forever Begins

HAZEL

I am getting married today. The thought hits me for approximately the six-hundredth time this morning, but my brain still hasn't developed immunity to it.

I stare at myself in the mirror, my throat going dry. I'm the actual bride. Not the woman planning a future that collapsed before she ever reached the altar.

My stomach flips so hard that I press both hands against it.

"Oh, don't y