You see, three weeks earlier, my entire world had changed in ways no one knew about. But we’ll get to that.

The wedding guests barely looked up as I walked past their tables, my gift box clutched firmly in my hands. David was at the head table, laughing at something his best man was saying. He didn’t even notice his mother leaving his wedding. I stood in the parking lot for a moment, breathing in the cool evening air, listening to the muffled sound of celebration. Thirty-six years of sacrifices, of putting my son first, of believing that unconditional love would eventually be returned. I was done believing in fairy tales.