Fractures of Her Soul

Claire’s eyes lingered on the glittering diamond ring in the display case, its finely cut facets catching the light of promises yet to come. Her boyfriend, Donny, beamed and squeezed her hand. Today should be the happiest day of her life, but she felt uneasy.

It had nothing to do with Donny, she was sure. He was everything she could hope for in a boyfriend and future husband. It was her. The dissonance, the disconnect. She felt emotionally spent, her spirit dry, her heart weighed down by the fractures of her soul.

She looked at Donny and forced a smile that belied her feelings. “It’s beautiful,” she said. She wanted to be happy. She wanted to say “yes.” She wanted to wear that beautiful diamond ring. But she knew she must reject his proposal, although she didn’t know why. No longer could she ignore the inner voice that whispered “no.”

Donny awaited her response. Claire took a deep breath, ready to face the truth. Love shouldn’t feel like a burden–an obligation she could not keep.  Some things, even sparkling diamond rings, were just not meant to be.