The Ticking Clock

-It works, she said, looking at the small television set in the corner.

He walked over. He flipped the switch. A man in a cheap suit pointed at a map. It was the weather channel.

-The comfort my presence brings is a fraction of what your husband will, he said.

She nodded.

-You’re right, Joseph, she said.

He watched the weather report.

-Who’s coming to walk you down the aisle? he asked.

-My father, she said.

-When is he coming?

She looked at the door.

-He’ll be here to collect me just a few short minutes before the ceremony begins, she said.

-So we have perhaps twenty-five minutes left together now, she said.

He turned the volume down. The weatherman mouthed silent warnings about a storm.

-Should I leave before your dad arrives? he asked. He may be old fashioned.

She bit her lip.

-Part of me knows that appearances matter to my father, she said. He might prefer the time... solely in the company of close family.

-Has he texted you?

She checked her phone. The screen was blank.

-No, she said. My mother mentioned earlier that he seemed a bit distracted.

-Dads will be dads, he said.

He walked over to a high chair across from the couch. He sat down. He watched her.

-How much time do you have left?

She picked up the phone again.

-Around fifteen minutes, she said. Just enough time for dad to arrive shortly after us.

-I should leave before your dad gets here right? he asked

She hesitated. She didn't want him to go.

-Knowing dad, he’ll likely aim to be precisely on time, she said.

-You should take five minutes for yourself before he gets here, he said.

She closed her eyes. She tried to find a center. She thought about a sunlit glade, somewhere far away from the heavy dress and the heavy expectations. She straightened her spine.

-Thank you, Joseph, she said.

-I think it’s almost time, he said.

She opened her eyes. The glade vanished.

-You’re right, she said.

She checked the phone one last time. Her fingers trembled.

-Maybe two, possibly three minutes left, she said.

She set the device down. She smoothed the skirt over her knees.

-Thank you for being here, she said.

He stood up. He crossed the room to the couch. He placed a hand gently on the top of her head.

She leaned into it. It was automatic. She looked up at him, eyes shining.

He leaned down. He kissed her cheek.

-You’re going to be a great wife, he whispered.

She blushed. She turned her head, nuzzling into his palm.

-I think your dad will be here any minute, he said.