Page 258 of Things We Hide from the Light

“Maybe they’re having sex,” her mother suggested from the hallway.

“Why do you have to say shit like that, Bonnie?” her dad said.

“Why are my parents here?” Lina demanded as she frantically straightened her dress.

“I forgot to tell you. I maybe kind of invited them…after I asked them for their permission to marry you…after I already proposed.”

She put her hands on my chest and looked into my eyes.

“Prepare to be smothered for the rest of your life.”

I was looking forward to it.