The Steps Before the

“I believe it’s bad luck to see the groom before the wedding,” Isa says.“Nah, I think our share of bad luck is all in the past.” He brushes Isa’s bangs out of his face and behind his ear before his fingers follow the trail of his braided hair. Isa closes his eyes at the touch. Breathes deeply. “Cold feet?” Lea then asks.Isa’s eyes open again. They meet with the pair of green orbs already staring back. He loves those green eyes. The very same eyes he’s always thought of whenever he was sinking. The same eyes that had guided him out of the darkness. Here those eyes are now, sparkling under the fairy lights, the warm glow enough to melt the cold ache in his feet.“No,” Isa finally says. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more ready.”