Enduring the Storm for a New Spring

Dad's voice softened. "I know this is a big deal for you, Elyse. You've got to take your time to prepare for the wedding. But… this afternoon, the nurse said your mom's condition has gotten worse. Her stats aren't looking good. She might not—"

"No!" I cut him off immediately and forced a smile. "Dad, no matter what, I will make sure Mom attends my wedding."

There was a crackle on the line, then Mom's voice came through. "Sweetie, I don't need to attend your wedding. I just want to see you happy. Philip is a good man, and he treats you well. Only if you're happy can I leave in peace."

I blinked back my tears and promised her, "Mom, I will be happy. I promise. You need to promise me that you'll take care of yourself too."

When I hung up, the room felt utterly dark and silent again.

I wiped my eyes and sent Philip a text. "Don't forget to pick the wedding dress with me tomorrow."

He didn't reply.

The next day passed with no sign of him.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Philip finally called. He sounded apologetic as he said, "Elyse, an urgent meeting came up. I can't go with you to pick the dress. Can we postpone it for a few days? I—"

"We can't," I cut him off softly.

There was a pause, then his tone softened. "Elyse, don't be difficult. I really can't leave now. You know I've been swamped—"

"I'm going today to pick the new dress. I'm not changing the wedding date either. It's the day after tomorrow," I said.

He froze for a moment. "Wait, what?"

I replied, "I've already started notifying friends and family. We're getting married on February 23rd."

Philip laughed, incredulous. "Elyse, do you even hear yourself? Is this reasonable? Designing invitations, booking the venue, and rehearsing with the emcee will all take time. Besides, I've been busy lately and can't afford the distraction. Why can't you ever understand me?"

I closed my eyes, feeling calmer than I thought I would.

"Philip," I said softly, "I told you, my mom can't wait."

There was a moment of silence on the other end, then Philip's voice came through, as cold as ice. "She's waited all these years. Why can't she wait a few more days? Is it her who's anxious or you? You know the answer yourself!"

The line went dead.

I sat on the couch for a full hour.

Finally, I picked up my phone and dialed a number. "The wedding's the day after tomorrow. I need a groom. Are you in?"

That evening, I went to the bridal shop to return the dress I'd reserved the day before.

Through the window, I saw two familiar figures.

The door was open, and their voices drifted in clearly.

"Mr. Dillon, it was already a hassle for you to reserve the dress. Now I'm making you come pick another one too. It's my fault. I've put on a little weight lately. It doesn't fit anymore."

Philip, who always said he was too busy, was leaning against the counter. He replied smoothly, "You're so thin. A little extra weight looks good on you. Cute, even."

At that moment, the sales associate came over with a new dress.

Upon hearing their conversation, she smiled. "Actually, your size is still on the slimmer side. A little weight isn't bad. It just means you're happy with your fiance. We call it happy weight."

Jane looked down bashfully, saying nothing to correct the sales associate's misunderstanding about their relationship.