Then, as soon as Mallory stepped out to take a call, my mom leaned in like she couldn’t wait. She said, dead serious, “Honey… you sure you want to marry someone that big? You’re a small guy. It’s not a good match.” My dad chimed in, talking about “health” and how I’d “resent it later.” I felt like the table flipped upside down. I couldn’t even process it at first. I just stared at them, thinking about how Mallory always cooks for me when I’m stressed, how she pays attention to every little thing I like, how she’s the first person I’ve ever felt completely safe with. I didn’t argue. I didn’t defend her. I just said nothing. But later that night, when Mallory asked why I seemed off, I realized there’s something I’ve gotta decide—whether I keep playing it safe with my family, or finally tell them what I’m really planning.
Because there’s something they don’t know yet
I lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling. Mallory was sound asleep next to me, her breath soft and even. She always could drop off in a heartbeat, something I envied. She looked so peaceful that night, and I felt guilty that my parents’ words had wedged themselves into my head. Before drifting off, I promised myself I’d talk to my folks again soon—no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
The next day, I woke up to Mallory flipping pancakes in our tiny kitchen. She was in her old gray sweatpants with paint stains, from the time we redecorated the living room together. The smell of butter and sweet batter filled the room.
