Writing Prompt: The shoes were shined to a high gloss.

I can smell the coffee brewing and I very much want a cup. So without delay, let’s jump into the morning prompt. Timers set and off we go!

I don’t know why, but I love a story that starts with a good heartbreak. I’m sure it doesn’t say nice things about me, but I kind of like the feeling that my character starts from rock bottom and then has to fight their way back to normal. Don’t get me wrong I do like to through problems at them as they rise to victory, but still. There is something nice about starting a story with a character hitting rock bottom. Maybe I just like redemption.

Thursday, April 18^th: The shoes were shined to a high gloss.

The shoes were shined to a high gloss.  He shined them himself as a way to tamp down his own nerves.  Everything was planned.  Everything was ready and all he had to do was dress himself, make sure his tie was straight, his shoes shines and that the rings were in place. 

He tried to help with the wedding plans but Faith had her own ideas.  She knew what she wanted for her wedding day and she did not plan to deviate from her vision.  Danny had no real thoughts on the wedding but he knew many of his sisters, female cousins and their friends complained that their grooms weren’t involved or interested.  He found the spectacle planning at least interesting so he figured he could help with some of the execution even if he left the vision to Faith. 

She seemed convinced he would spoil it. His role was reduced to picking up his tux, making sure his tie was straight and that his shoes were shined.  Then he would take himself and the rings to the church at the appropriate time.

That time was nearing and he could hear the car pulling up.  Danny checked that the rings were in his pocket and that his tie was straight.  He then headed out and let the driver take him to the church.  Danny smiled and greeted those he came in contact with.  He tied the rings to the pillow his youngest cousin would carry down the aisle in his capacity as the ring bearer. He would follow behind his slightly older sister as she scattered rose petals on the pathway. 

All had been planned, all had been practiced.  With the rings in place and the pillow in position, all he had to do was wait.  And so he waited.  He tried not to pace as he heard the crowd enter and settle in the pews.  He heard their voices like the sound of an ocean wave. He couldn’t make out the words but he decided the tone was a happy one and was content.  There was no sound of catastrophe.

He waited and ran through the steps of the ceremony.  He was certain he had everything settled in his mind. 

He waited.  The crowd settled on the other side of the doors and he straightened himself, brushing down imaginary wrinkles and touching his still straight tie.  He was certain Faith had arrived and thus the silence.

He waited. 

The murmuring began again.  It still sounded like the ocean, but this time it was not a joyous ocean.  Something was disturbing the currents. He waited.

A door opened in the side of the room where he waited. His cousin Alice stepped inside.  Her normally smiling face was set into lines of concern.

She held out a note to him.  “I was told to give this to you,’ She said.  She looked hesitant as though she wanted to pull the note back.

Danny lifted a hand to take it.  He felt his body growing cold. Something was wrong.  He took the note from Alice and unfolded it.  The note was from Faith.

She wasn’t coming.  She left.  With his best man.  They were married at the courthouse that morning. Danny took a deep breath.  He felt cold and numb.  He heard the crowd and knew someone would have to tell them, someone would have to break the news.  There would be no wedding. He realized that someone was him.  He took a deep breath and turned towards the entrance to the chapel.