Chapter 2: The Sign That Stopped Time

Lily stepped into the aisle, her golden curls bouncing with each deliberate step. Her tiny, pale hands gripped a large, reclaimed wooden sign nearly as broad as her chest.

At first a ripple of fond laughter washed over the back rows. She looked fiercely serious, marching forward like a tiny, uncompromising judge entering a courtroom.

But as she advanced, the front rows leaned in to read the words painted in slightly wobbly purple cursive.

The atmosphere in the room shifted violently.

It wasn’t just a gasp. It was a physical wave of emotion, something heavier and more visceral. I saw Hannah cover her mouth with both hands, her shoulders shaking.

Beside me, my best man, Marcus, cleared his throat and turned his face toward the stained-glass windows as he hurriedly wiped his cheeks.