Michael slid the beautiful diamond ring onto my finger and we walked back to the house together as Emily had already gone inside. Before we went in I stared at Michael for a moment and hugged him. There were no words to describe how happy I was and I think he understood that.

When we broke the news to my parents, my mother grabbed my hand to see the ring and my dad took Michael outside for drinks and a talk. Emily squealed and said she couldn’t wait to be a bridesmaid. With the boys gone and my mother and sister already planning my wedding, I was free to do whatever I liked. I was bored without Michael or Emily. First I tried to read, but I was too distracted to focus on what I was reading. Next was painting but I felt that was just too messy so that stopped before it began. I decided to go downstairs.

Momma and Em were at the kitchen table flipping through wedding magazines.

“Hey guys, I’m going for a walk.” They barely looked up. Momma only murmured,

“Okay have fun. And take a flashlight, it’s getting dark.” I grabbed the flashlight and left through the side door, not bothering with shoes as it was just going to be a short walk. Walking through the grass, I looked up at the sky, which had a handful of stars and the moon wasn’t out. This meant it was quite dark and the waves of cricket chirps covered up the sound of footsteps behind me.