04/09/2025
Kara, my fiancee's younger sister, was never denied anything as she grew up. Her parents treated her like their princess, and everyone gave in for convenience. I mostly kept my opinions to myselfâI cared for Colin.
Kara planned her wedding at a restaurant, but disaster hit: a pipe burst three days before, closing the venue. All the other halls were already booked for the busy season. Kara and her mom looked at meâand at my backyard. Kara clapped: "This is perfect! We only have 2 days. YOU DON'T MIND, RIGHT??"
Although my house wasn't extravagant, I treasured it. I purchased it before I met Colin, and my yard was my retreat. I painted the fence, put in a stone path, and cultivated roses in honor of my late mom. Each flower reminded me of her.
I didn't want to hold the wedding there but, feeling pressure from my future in-laws, agreedâon the condition that nothing be changed. I left to help Kara with her tasks.
Returning two days later, I stood motionless.
MY YARD WAS DESTROYED. There was no fence, flower beds torn up, roots visible. My meaningful rosesâgutted, entwined in Kara's arch and used as table dĂŠcor. Heavy rental furniture had scarred the ground.
Kara stood among the chaos, tablet and drink in hand. I approached her.
"DON'T YOU LOVE IT?" she exclaimed.
"So much more open. The roses make the arch pop."
I was shaken: "You destroyed my yard... you promised..."
She retorted, "They're just flowers. This is MY wedding. I'LL DO WHATEVER I WANT."
I turned to Colin. All he did was smile. "DANI, CALM DOWN! She can do what she wants. You can fix it after."
The laughter from Kara and her parents rang out as I stood on the wreckage of my memories and hard work.
No outburst from me. But I wasn't willing to sweep it away. I let the event continue. I attended the wedding with a giftâa message about consequences.
When present time came, I brought out a large box, wrapped in vivid red paper, with a bow. Kara, beaming, expected something extravagant.
"Let's see what's inside!" she announced.
She opened it, removed the lidâand instantly, her smile vanished. The crowd was frozen in total silence. âŹď¸âŹď¸âŹď¸