One night, Tom and I talked until sunrise.
No arguments.
No expectations.
Just two people sharing their fears and dreams.
For the first time, I trusted him.
For the first time, I believed we could build a future together.
I thought love was finally arriving.
My family came to visit.
I wanted comfort.
Understanding.
A place to rest my heart.
Instead, they told me the same thing.
"Adjust."
"All marriages are difficult."
"Be patient."
I smiled.
And hid everything.
Because I didn't want them to worry.
Because they already had enough problem
Tom's family accepted every gift my family offered.
Furniture.
Jewelry.
Money.
Whenever I questioned it, Tom would smile.
"It's not dowry."
"It's for our future."
I wanted to believe him.
So I did.