It was perfect. A beautiful gown swathed in lace and pearls. A pale hand touched the dress longingly. It was a pity that it was never to be worn. Once upon a time, she had spent many nights bent over the garment. Her face had been full of hope and wonder as she made her masterpiece. The hand brushed her skirt as she sighed. Those days were long gone. Belarus may have been a fighter, a loner, but she had once been a dreamer.
Not even her beloved sister knew of her wedding dress. It represented a life she would never have. Maybe chasing after her brother was unusual, but it was something she could cling to. Nations weren't meant to love humans, and most of her fellow nations were afraid of her. She was shy and awkward, and her siblings were the only ones who knew her true self. The bond she held dearest was severed by her actions. She was alone now.
Afraid of being left behind, she had attached herself to her brother. It may have given her a bad reputation, but she was at least noticed.
"Brother…"
Her plan had backfired on her in the most painful way. She had grown into the character she had created, and it alienated her from the rest of the nations. Now she was greeted with cringes and yelps rather than second glances. Her siblings avoided her out of shame and fear of a monster who had taken over their sister's body.
She had trouble understanding why she was unwanted. She knew that her physical appearance was acceptable, as the wandering eyes of strangers were anything but subtle, meaning that what everyone found repulsive was inside her. No matter what she did, she would always be seen as the repulsive and incestuous being she was thought to be. Changing her appearance would not save her. The persona she had made doomed her. She took a final glance at the dress that had once been a beacon of a future, maybe not one with her brother, but with someone, anyone, who could bring themselves to love her. It was a sign that told her that maybe, one day, even she could be thought of fondly.
As she struck the match to the bodice, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Though killing her second self would not change her past actions, she would be able to stop loathing her own weakness. It was time to let go. The dress burned quickly, and she left it, abandoning her past and future, to learn how to live without love or friendship.
Just a friendly reminder that I don't own anything!