These were hectic days of preparation and last-minute rushes, fueled by a sense of excitement and anticipation, right before my wedding to Seth. Invitations were all out, the arrangements were being finalized, and the house was abuzz with energy in anticipation of a celebration. Seth and I would finally tie the knot and solidify our bond amongst a loving family and great friends. Anne had moved back to our parents' with Emily, hoping for their help in tending to the confusion of being a new mother. I missed her, yet I knew she needed a stable environment to acclimate herself to life with her daughter. But even so, there existed in the air almost tangibly the sense of hope and renewal. One afternoon, while Seth was out doing errands, I lay at home alone. The house was quiet, and for one m

