Jenne, our delightful host at The Unicorn Challenge,
has once again asked us to write something creative
in no more than 250 words based on how
the photo below inspires us.
This is my response.
![](https://theelephantstrunk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-1.png?w=1024)
The pathway to my future seemed incredibly long and I could easily imagine myself escaping down a side aisle. What kind of thought was that for a bride on her wedding day?
âWell, we got lucky, sweetheart; the rain held off. Emme, are you ready? The musicians are waiting for my signal.â
I turned to face my father. âDaddyâ was all I managed to eke out before the tears started. I hadnât called my father Daddy in years.
Dad motioned for the music to keep playing and magically produced a handkerchief. âWhatâs going on, kiddo?â
âThis doesnât feel right, Dad. Iâm about to marry Gregory because of a promise I made to Mom.â
âEmme, if you want to back out, Iâll stand by whatever decision you make. But itâs best for everyone if you do it now, not after youâre married.â
âBut you spent so much money to make this day perfect.â
Dad put his hands on my shoulders. âDamn the money and damn the promises. All I want is for you to be happy. If you think this is a mistake, say the word. My car is parked right outside.â
âWhat about Gregory?â I asked biting my bottom lip.
âIâll talk to him privately, Emme. Donât worry about that.â
I looked at my father and quickly nodded. He reached into his pocket and handed me the keys to his car.
âGo on now. I have some explaining to do.â He kissed my cheek and took off down the path.
NAR©2024
250 Words
![](https://theelephantstrunk.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/998219-bigthumbnail-1.jpeg)
This is âHotel Californiaâ by the Eagles
All text, graphics and videos are copyright for The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephantâs Trunk and The Rhythm Section and is not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.