Mathilda’s POV

One Week Before the Wedding – August 2017

I can’t calm down. Since this morning, I’ve been swallowed by an unfamiliar kind of panic. How many times have I messed up ringing up customers at this convenience store already?

“Are you okay, Mathilda?”

My coworker can always tell when my thoughts are miles away.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“You must be nervous — your wedding’s just around the corner, right?”

I nodded. I’m not close with my coworkers — I don’t have close friends, period — but that’s one thing I can’t deny. I’m terrified. The days are flying by too fast, and today of all days, I have to go try on my wedding dress.

“It’s alright, Mathilda. I’d feel the same if I were marrying a handsome young businessman like Fredric. You know, every woman here — no, probably every woman in New York — is jealous of you. So many of them would kill to be in your place.”

If only she knew that my anxiety isn’t from happiness — but because a long nightmare is about to begin.

“Okay, enough worry