His arm was wrapped comfortably around Annie's waist, serving the dual purpose of displaying her proudly to their guests, and keeping his new bride safe. From afar, Johanna admired the authenticity of her friend's smile as his green eyes connected with their mirrored reflection in Annie's upturned face. Only when these gazes were followed by tender kisses did she avert her eyes, discomforted by the prominent display of affection.
She found herself alone in bed, the drab gray blanket twisted repeatedly around itself and her bare thighs. Johanna's right hand set the morphling tablet - her third since the wedding festivities ended - onto her tongue. As the drug dissolved in her mouth, dulling the pain in her heart, her left hand slid beneath the tangled blanket, beneath her waistband, to quell the ache she felt there.
Love will destroy us all.