As the words left her lips, the memories came flooding back. She could almost smell the flowers that adorned their candlelit table, feel the texture of the dress that clung to her body like a second skin.
Mister Manuel's eyes held a gentle understanding. "Really? Tell me more about it?" he prodded, his voice barely above a whisper.
"The night of my one-year wedding anniversary," Zaya began, "Kabir stayed out late, and I grew tired of waiting for him, so I decided to indulge in some champagne and a funny TV show. I lost myself in the moment, giggling at the TV and feeling light as a feather from the champagne. In those few precious moments, I was genuinely happy, truly carefree. It was spontaneous, effortless, and blissful. I realized then and there that I didn't put much effort into it."
Mister Manuel nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
