After he left, I sat with the album for a long time.
The person Lauren had been before the wedding hadn’t disappeared.
But affection hadn’t prevented her from hurting me.
Those truths could coexist.
During the third week, Ruth brought over the wedding photographs.
The photographer had sent Lauren a digital gallery, and Lauren forwarded me access.
There were hundreds.
Flowers.
Guests.
The ceremony.
Dinner.
Dancing.
I found the photograph taken outside the church.
Lauren between Ethan and me.