As he stared off into the distance, to where the last bit of the sunset could be seen, he thought of the tiny velvet box in his hand. The tiny velvet box he'd had for 2 years now. The same box which contained a ring; one that no girl would ever wear. The same ring that served as a cruel reminder that he would never have a meaningful relationship. A haunting reminder of the fact that he'd been forced to live his life watching other peoples' happy moments instead of ever having any of his own. These were the same thoughts that came with one single look at that tiny box with every wedding he'd attended since. He knew that his appearance wasn't the problem. In occasions such as this he'd be seen wearing his most delightful suits to look his very best. Tonight it was the black, single-breasted Calvin Klein suit, complimented by a light blue shirt, and a shiny, satin-like, cerulean blue tie. As thoughts of the depressing and horrifying truth of that tiny little ring and his delightful wardrobe faded, his mind turned to that of this, the ninth wedding he'd attended this year. The wedding that was now taking place at the other extremity of the beautifully lit garden he'd walked across to have some alone time to reflect. A wedding that seemed out of a story book in it's fall setting. His mind continued on the wedding and how beautiful in appearance he remembered the bride today. He remembered the satin lined dress the bride was wearing. He envisioned its off white color, intricate embroidery, and the long, lace veil with exquisite beadwork all around the edge. A vision of pure delight as he saw the bride and her new husband in his form-tailored tuxedo recite their vows to one another. It was something he knew he'd never get to experience, something that in each wedding he seemed to be envious of. Tonight would be no exception. As a single tear of frustration welled up in his eye, he closed the tiny box and walked back to his seat. He watched the bride and groom ever so carefully, intently, forever envious of their love, together with every other couple he'd seen get married and their hapiness. He'd long since known that he'd never have such a moment in life. Or like anything he imagined every time he heard a pleasantly romantic song, or saw the sunday morning paper and its wedding announcements. It was an internal struggle.
-d. adrian.