Zara
The sun creeped through the sheer curtains, painting a soft gold across the sheets. I shifted slightly, eyes still heavy with sleep, and instinctively reached behind me for warmth that's no longer there, but my fingers grazed the spot where Victor lay last night. His spot was still warm, like his body only just left it.
The room was quiet and the only sound there is was the distant traffic and a soft ticking clock that filled the silence. I sat up slowly, the oversized shirt that I fell asleep in was now wrinkled and hanging loosely off one shoulder.
He was gone.
Not gone in the way I'm used to in the past. No slammed doors, no harsh silence, no tension cutting through the air. It was just… absence.
I reached for my phone and saw the screen blinking. A text from him.
Had to handle some business. Don't wait up. Stay safe. I'll find you later.
No explanation. No warning. Just "business."
I tossed the phone on the bed and ran my hands through my tangled hair. Last night was the closest we'd ever been since the attack five years ago.
I tried to push the worry away of the business he never explained and the distance that feels like that's growing between us, but before I could think more into it, the door suddenly burst open.
"SELENEAAA," I snap, clearly startled. "What the hell?"
"Get up, Zara! Come on, come on," Selene said as she stormed in, dragging her mother behind her. "We're wasting the whole day!"
"Zara, darling, it's time," she said with a smile. "The boutiques close early, you know."
I rub my eyes and glance at the clock. Too early, but with Victor gone, the day feels endless. Still, wedding dress shopping. That's what today is about.
"I just need a minute." I mumble, trying to collect myself.
"No minute," Selene said, grabbing the blanket off me and pulled me up. "We've been planning this forever, and you can't chicken out now."
"Planning? I didn't exactly get to weigh in on that part."
"Because you were busy moping about my brother, I get it," she grinned, teasing. "But you're engaged now, Zara! Time to start acting like it."
"She's right, you know," her mother said chuckling softly. "Wedding dress shopping isn't just about the dress. It's about the moment and the memories."
I stared at them both, feeling the pressure wrap tighter around me.
"Fine," I said, half-hearted. "I'll get dressed."
"Yay" Selene cheered, pumping her fists in the air. "And remember, no Victor drama today. This is for you."
"No promises."
I hauled myself off the bed while Selene was practically vibrating with excitement as she dragged her mother and I toward the door like we were about to storm a battlefield rather than browse for wedding dresses.
"Come on, Zara! Shoes on, game face ready," she yelled. "We have an appointment at three boutiques today, and I will NOT let you bail on me."
"I would never," I said, flashing her a look. "But I'll try not to throw a dress at you from across the room."
"That's the spirit," Selene laughed. "But let's go. I refuse to be late.
Climbing into the car, Selene drove like it's a Formula 1 race and her life depended on it. I clutched the seat, bracing for whatever ridiculousness the day had in store.
Boutique number one was a frenzy of satin, lace, and tulle. Enough fabric to outfit a small country. Selene dives headfirst into the racks, pulling out dresses that look like something out of a fairy tale or a nightmare, depending on your taste.
"Try this one on!" Selene said, thrusting a dress at me that's covered in so many ruffles I'm afraid I'll disappear underneath it.
"This looks like a cake," I said, holding it up and almost lost my balance. "A very over-the-top cake."
"Sometimes, the right dress feels like a dream," Selena's mother said, taking the dress. "You just have to find the one that fits your story."
"My story so far is more 'crime drama' than fairy tale, but I'll keep an open mind."
We spent the next hour dragging me through endless fittings and Selene's commentary was relentless.
"Not a princess dress? What is this, Zara," Selene asked. "Are you sure you're engaged and not just bored?"
"Hey! Maybe I'm thinking about eloping to Vegas and marrying the Elvis impersonator instead."
"Blasphemy," she gasps. "And we'd not be sister's-in-law? I would never forgive you."
After the third boutique, we were all exhausted but laughing over all of it. Selene was already planning the Pinterest boards for the bachelorette party, and her mother was reminding me to eat something.
Glancing at my phone, I see a message from Victor.
Keep the fact you, Selene, and her mother are out wedding shopping. Don't want anyone getting ideas.
I smirk and text back.
Noted. Trying not to lose my mind from your sister.
"Ooooh, Victor's jealous," Selene said, peeking over my shoulder. "Should I send him a dress selfie?"
"Please don't."
"Too late," she singed. "You're not getting this dress anyway."
By the time we finally headed home, I was exhausted but a little lighter. Maybe wedding dress shopping isn't just about dresses. It's about the crazy, messy moments in between. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit about hope.