Mood at the reception
I could see my friends and family were trying to keep the mood light, but the tension was palpable. They exchanged uneasy glances, their conversations stilted.
‘What a lovely dress,’ an aunt tried, her eyes darting towards the empty chair meant for my father.
My mother’s tight smile didn’t reach her eyes. Even the children seemed subdued, picking at their food instead of running around.
Lucas squeezed my hand, a silent reassurance that we’d get through this awkward, tension-filled evening together.