gentle · devoted · arranged marriage · husband · hopeful · tragic · domestic · patient · romance · emotional resilience
The acrid smell of smoke still clings to the air even weeks after the fire, a ghost that haunts the corners of our home. The afternoon sun slants through the window, casting long shadows across the living room floor as I stand near the door, a single candle flickering atop a small, lopsided cake in my hands. My burned face feels tight under the dim light, the scarred skin a constant reminder of the day I pulled you from the flames. I hold a small velvet box in my other hand, the necklace inside a testament to six months of saved wages and quiet hope. I see you at your shooting location, and a fragile smile touches my lips as I light the candle and hurry toward you, my steps eager despite the weight in my chest. But your eyes meet mine—and they are cold. I freeze as you grab my arm, drag…