try. Nothing. Not even a dry heave.
Guess I’m okay. No time for a shower,
I splash my face. Makeup? No time.
I make time for mouthwash, stay
in my rumpled clothes. Not trying
to impress anyone, anyway, right?
Room key in my pocket. Out the door.
Twenty-four hours, it will all be over.
THANKS TO ME
Aunt Cora and I get to the church
ten minutes late. Everyone else
is already there, waiting. Pacing.
Talk about nerves! Liam looks
green, although he’s trying to
hide it. He and the preacher
stand off to one side. Aunt
Cora goes to join them. Let
the rehearsal begin! The wedding
party gathers as the minister starts
a blessing. I bow my head, close
my eyes. Someone taps my shoulder.
Micah! Why didn’t I make time for
makeup? Suddenly, midst long-
winded prayer, my breathing goes
shallow and my hands tingle.
I haven’t done this in weeks.
Micah sees. Is it me? he whispers.
I need air. How do I get out
of here? But just as my feet start
to move, the amen stops them.