“Dad… Emily asked us not to come to the wedding… She says shed be ashamed of her country parents.”
“But how… How can that be, Margaret… Ive been waiting for this dayto see my daughter married. And now she doesnt want us there, shes embarrassed… What kind of nonsense is this?”
*Ring, ring.* “Mum! Williams asked me to marry him, can you believe it? Ive dreamed of thisbeing part of his family!”
Margaret was happy for her daughter. Clever, beautiful, their Emily. She and her father had always supported her. After school, Emily dreamed of enrolling in a modelling academyher looks and figure suited it perfectly.
But money was needed for tuition. Her father sold the cattle and pigs, just enough to cover the costs. Emily rarely visited their village; city life swept her up like a whirlwind. She started earning her own money through photoshoots and fashion shows. Her parents were glad she was doing well.
William was the only son of a high-ranking executivehis father denied him nothing. Emily never introduced her fiancé to her parents, nor did she invite them to the city, always claiming she was too busy. She and William lived a glamorous life, often jetting off abroad.
Margaret worked as a school cleaner and often boasted about her daughters photos to colleagues.
“Margaret, why hasnt Emily brought her fiancé to meet you? Is she ashamed of her parents?”
“Dont be silly, Alice. Emily loves us dearly.”
“But when was the last time she visited? Cant even remember. Does she call often?”
“She rang last weeksaid shes getting married. Her father and I need to figure out where to get money for a gift and what to wear.”
***
“Emily, when will you and William come visit? Your dads made his famous stewhed love to share it with his future son-in-law.”
“Mum, reallyhe doesnt eat that sort of thing. We dont have time to visit, were busy planning the wedding.”
“When *is* the wedding, love? We need to get ready toobuy proper clothes.”
“Mum, listen… Its best if you dont come. Think about itWilliams from a wealthy family, all high society will be there, and then theres you… Dad always smells like manure. Can you imagine the contrast? You look like country folk, you dont know how to behave properly. Can you imagine how *Id* feel?”
“Alright, love. You wont see us there.”
Margaret didnt know how to tell her husband. Hed been waiting for this dayto see his beloved girl in a wedding dress, to wish her happiness. The whole house was covered in photos of Emily. He remembered every date they were taken, often gazing proudly at his beautiful daughter.
“Dad… Emily asked us not to come to the wedding… Says shes ashamed of her country parents.”
“But how… How can that be, Margaret… Ive waited so long to give my daughter away. And now she doesnt want us there… Whats come over her?”
Robert turned pale. Margaret handed him water and heart medicinehe wasnt well.
“Robert, dont take it to heart… We wont go, its fine.”
That night, they had to call an ambulancethe shock had been too much.
“You know what, Margaret? Were going anywayweve every right! Let her try and stop us!”
Margaret didnt want to, but she couldnt dissuade him. Finding the wedding date and venue wasnt hardWilliam was a public figure, and details were online. She borrowed a nice dress, bought Robert a new suit, and on the day, they travelled to the city.
They slipped into the reception quietly, flowers in hand. When the host asked if anyone else wished to toast the couple, Robert called out, “We do!”
“William and Emily, congratulations on your marriage! May you live long and happy lives, and may your children never forget their rootswho they are, where they come from, and to always respect their parents. Cheers!”
Robert placed the flowers on the newlyweds table, took his wifes hand, and walked out.
William stared at Emily. “Who were those people?”
“My… relatives.”
William caught up with Robert and Margaret. “Wait! Stay for the wedding! Emily told me she had no familythat her parents passed away years ago.”
“Passed away? Were alive…”
“Youre her parents? Why would she lie?”
“Shes ashamed of us, William. Were simple folknot made for high society. No money, no manners. So she lied to save face.”
“Im so sorry… I had no idea.”
“William, you seem a good man. Dont be angry with Emily. Be happy.”
“No, MumI mean, *Mum.* We *will* visit you. Come back inside!”
“No. We wont ruin her day. She didnt want us here.”
Three months passed. Emily never called, never visited.
Margaret was hanging laundry when a taxi pulled up. Emily stepped out with a bag.
“Mum, hi. Im home. Arent you happy to see me?”
“Hello. Why are you here?”
“What do you mean? I came *home.*”
“Ah. *Home.*”
“Is Dad inside?”
“Dads at the cemetery.”
“Stop joking, Mum.”
“Its no joke. You buried us long ago, but your father *really* died two months back. He couldnt bear his daughters betrayal. And Ill never forgive you. You took my husband and my daughter from me. Go back. Theres no place for you here.”
Emily walked inside. Silence. Her fathers bed was gone. Her photos stripped from the walls. The house felt foreignlike shed never lived there for seventeen years.
“Mum, I couldnt come soonerWilliam and I were abroad for three months, on an island with terrible signal. He was furious when he found out I lied. And… were divorcing. Were too different. Three months together was enough. Im thinking of moving overseas, signing with an agency. The world doesnt end with William.”
“Live as you please, Emily. Goodbye.”
The gate clicked shut. She was gone.
Margaret stepped inside and wept. What had happened to that sweet little girl? She had no daughter now. Shed have to accept it. Emily had made her choice. Crying, Margaret stared out the window. Better alone than with a daughter like that.
