Large teardrops rolled down my cheeks, falling onto the wedding dress like tiny, silent cries. The lace absorbed some of them, but a few slipped down, landing on Leon's hand where he gripped mine. Each droplet seemed to drain what little strength I had left, until every second standing there felt unbearable. My whole body trembled and a wave of nausea twisted my stomach. I used every ounce of strength to wrench my hand free from his grasp, backing away as he stared, bewildered.
With my heart pounding, I stumbled to the roadside, lifting the hem of my gown to keep from tripping. I waved desperately at passing taxis, my arm shaking as I signaled for one to stop. Finally, a cab pulled up and I slipped inside, collapsing onto the seat as I slammed the door shut behind me.
The driver glanced back at me through the rearview mirror, his face a mix of surprise and sympathy. He didn't say much at first, but after a few minutes of watching me decline call after call from Leon, he sighed softly and murmured, "If that were my daughter, I'd be devastated."