She shows off the rock to approving “oohs.” Like an excellent maid of honor, I’ve memorized its colour, cut, and carat.

“Thanks for the bachelorette!” She hugs me, making my heart flutter.

Thump Thump Thump

Her heart beats in rhythm with mine, while her ring stabs me in the back.

Anushka Kulkarni is a teenager from India studying biology. She writes flash fiction as a creative outlet.