Part 4: The Side Entrance

Priya met me at the side entrance wearing a green jacket and comfortable shoes. She showed me the quiet room, the restrooms, and the table where I would sit. She also pointed out where Sam would be standing during the ceremony.

“If anything changes, text me,” she said. “You don't need to explain in front of anyone.”

Guests were arriving through the main gate. I recognized a few relatives from photographs but had not seen most of them in decades. June had told them I might attend and asked them not to question me about the past.

The ceremony began under a large tree. June walked toward Sam carrying flowers that matched the ribbon in our mother's notebook. I sat with two of her friends. One handed me a program and quietly pointed to the place where the readings were listed.

My father sat on the other side of the garden. He had more gray hair and moved more slowly than the man I remembered. Seeing him still made my chest tighten. I kept my eyes on June and Sam while they exchanged vows.

After the ceremony, I went to the quiet room for a few minutes. Priya checked whether I needed anything and left when I said I wanted to be alone. I stood by the window until my breathing settled, then returned for the photographs June had requested.

She had arranged a picture with me and Sam before the larger family group. No one asked me to stand beside my father. Sam thanked the photographer for following the list, and the photographer moved quickly to the next group.

At the reception, a relative I barely remembered asked where I had been all these years. Before I answered, June's friend said, “Aaron repairs instruments. He was telling me about a trumpet in the shop window.” The relative accepted the change of subject. Later I thanked the friend for giving me an opening.

Dinner was served at round tables. Sam's brother introduced himself and asked about my work. We discussed the difference between repairing a student instrument and restoring an antique one. The conversation was ordinary and surprisingly easy.

Halfway through the meal, I saw my father stand. He looked toward my table. Sam reached him before he took a step and spoke quietly. My father sat down again.

I felt the urge to leave. Priya came over and asked whether I wanted the quiet room or my hotel. I chose the quiet room. She walked beside me without touching my arm.

“He asked Sam whether he could speak to you,” she said. “Sam reminded him of the agreement. He has not approached you.”

“Did he argue?”

“He was disappointed. He stayed at his table.”

I sat for a while. The plan had worked, but that did not mean I had to feel calm immediately. When I was ready, I returned for the cake. June cut a slice and handed it to me herself.

“More cinnamon?” she asked.

“Just enough.”

She smiled. The reception continued around us, and I stayed through the first dance. I left before the final song, telling June and Sam goodbye privately. They did not ask me to remain for a family photograph.