Cage of Love

: Wedding Scars

My aunt, who raised me single-handedly, finally found her own happiness on her thirty-sixth birthday.

Two months after she moved in with Uncle Vincent, she quit her job at the dance troupe. Three months later, she cut her hair short and told me not to call her anymore.

Later, I secretly moved into the apartment across the hall from hers.

I saw countless men coming and going from Aunt Hannah's home.

1

My Aunt Hannah, who worked so hard to raise me, finally married the man she loved on her thirty-sixth birthday, just as she'd always hoped.

The wedding ceremony was grand and formal. Aunt Hannah walked slowly down the aisle, arm in arm with the tall and handsome Uncle Vincent.

Halfway through the ceremony.

"Aunt Hannah, my parents passed away when I was young. You raised me, playing the part of both mother and father. Now that you've finally found your happiness, I wish you and Uncle Vincent a lifetime of love, and may you grow old together."

As I gave my heartfelt blessing, Uncle Vincent, standing opposite me, smiled shyly. He was so nervous that he was pinching Aunt Hannah's arm, leaving it red.

Aunt Hannah was so moved that tears streamed down her face.

"Tanya, thank you—Ah!"

All the guests were cheering and congratulating the newlyweds.

Only I noticed that her slender calves, visible beneath her wedding dress, were covered in cuts and bruises.