Marrying the Man in the Dark

What enabled her to speak so casually about a pain that most women struggle to talk about for the rest of their lives? What could have caused her to lose a child, her ability to conceive, and nearly her life?

“All right,” Lucy said abruptly.

Seeing what looked like pity in Cherise’s eyes, Lucy suddenly found the pierogi in her mouth less appetizing. She grimaced. “I’m fine now, aren’t I? Why are you looking at me like that? I don’t like it.”

She signed before continuing, “It’s been many years. I’ve moved on. I’m happy now.”

The air around them grew eerily quiet.

Lucy smiled faintly. Her gaze seemed to drift past Cherise to some distant place. “Being infertile isn’t so bad. My dad stopped pushing me to go on blind dates, and whenever some guy bothers me, I just whip out my medical certificate. It saves a lot of hassle.”

Cherise pursed her lips, uncertain of what to say. After a moment, she took a deep breath and threw herself into Lucy’s embrace, holding her tightly.

This sudden hug caught Lucy off guard.

Lucy exclaimed, unsure about where to put

me or something? I’ll have you know, even though I can’t have kids for the rest of my life, I’m still a straight woman who enjoys

channel her warmth to her.

without my memories, I’ll always be your friend and

hesitated, “I don’t

as you understand,” Cherise said softly, “that’s all

ruefully. You’re impressive, as always. You

saying that, she closed her eyes, and tears silently streamed down her cheeks. “He found me. I’ll leave tomorrow. This time, I have to

Cherise

that the”h” Lucy referred to was the person who had hurt her the most. She couldn’t even bear to

looked up and smiled at Cherissellectumwbci can