The following morning, there was no fear but a sense of doom. The ceremony. Gold rings. Grandmother had come up with gold from the late General’s dental crowns, which provided the raw material for the wedding rings. He gave the crowns to a jeweller and received in return two small gold rings. For Him and Her. No witnesses even. They realized they had no friends.
They went to his father’s grave with a bottle of champagne. It was quiet and peaceful there. His father looked at them from the photo on his headstone and seemed to be silently present at his grown-up son’s unconventional wedding reception.
Back home his mother had cooked for them and was waiting. Uncle Seva phoned. “Alla says you’re getting married.” “Already have.” “Accept my congratulations. More fool you.”
A new Sasha, quiet
