I made it through the paperwork review, the signatures, the bland but pleasant smile of the clerk as she stamped and notarized our forms. As she filed my dreams into a neat stack, one by one. Averting my eyes from the sight of my wedding ring on his right pinkie, I followed him to the counter to pay our dues and receive our number. The cashier droned on, about dogs and fees and nothing in particular. "Please, just stop talking," I implored her silently, wordlessly.

Walking down the courthouse steps, I let the rain wash over my tears until I could no longer tell them apart.