TEN HOURS BEFORE THE WEDDING

Lorena sat at the edge of her bed, her hands resting against her face, as she sobbed quietly. Her phone sat beside her on the bed, a video playing in a loop. Her lip quivered, and her head throbbed the more she cried. Not even the voices in her head could push through her distraught state. There was a stillness in her being as if the world had paused at that moment, safe for her and her trickling tears.

"Lorena? Why are your lights still on by this time?" Verona pushed open the door to Lorena's room and stepped in. She glanced at the time...