It was her big day.
She had only known him for a few months, but they knew they were meant for each other. It had all happened so fast. The casual meeting in the local library where she worked. The dinner dates. The passion he had brought into her otherwise dull life. She recalled all this as she sat in front of her bedroom mirror touching up her makeup. The ladies downstairs were gracious enough to give her a few minutes to herself to quietly reflect on what the new life she was about to embark on would bring. The speed of their courtship had taken most of her friends by surprise, but they all wished her the happiness that she herself felt was meant to be.
When she had finished, she sat gazing into her reflection, remembering the day he had walked towards her counter in the library, book in hand. She thought about his winning smile and his softly spoken comments about other books by the same author.
Her reverie was broken with the shock of seeing a figure behind her in the room. She was sure the door hadn’t opened and closed. The fear that ran through her was like nothing she had ever experienced. Apart from her body shaking, she didn’t move. She was transfixed, waiting. She wasn’t sure what she was waiting for, but knew something was coming. It did, when the figure raised his hands, put his palms together in the way of prayer and stepped forward.
The figure spoke. “I beg you not to marry him.”
She spun around. “Pardon?”
He moved a little closer. “For pity’s sake, don’t do it.”
She was still trembling with fear when she asked, “Sorry, I don’t recognise you. Who are you?”
“I’m your grandson,” he whispered… and vanished.