Fragmented Pieces

I kept the circumstances of my wedding a guarded secret for a long time. A story too complicated to reveal in a social setting over something as mundane as cocktails and dinner. In our first few years of marriage I felt ashamed and not fully cognizant of the reality of what transpired; my truth revealing itself slowly, in fragmented pieces. Over time, only those in my inner circle had an inkling of what I was reticent to admit to myself. In spite of all the hurt, I was protecting my parents from the judgment of others and perhaps, even myself.