© Ayr/Gray
Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt for THE UNICORN CHALLENGE (01/10/2025). No more than 250 words in length.
“I’m not so sure about this.” Maisie, hands in sweatshirt pockets, looked sidewise at Ted. “Why are we doing this again?”
“Because it’s what we’ve always done.” Ted’s hands were calloused from many years of woodworking, and his strong, blunt fingers rasped across his unshaven jaw. He’d gladly traded his family business’ corporate ID for the scent of fresh wood and aromatic finishers. But the family’s silent disapproval of his choice still smarted.
Social obligations were the one way they’d had of keeping him close, when really, he just wanted to go. “I’m not sure a smaller church would house all the people we’re obligated to invite.”
The church had been cold inside, but it was early, yet. Their favorite off-street coffee shop, the one owned by the sparkly-eyed Greek woman, was just a few blocks away. A dark coffee, with her Baklava Morning Buns would be a boon to calmer decisions.
Maisie held a hand out, low, toward Ted. He met hers halfway, and turned to smile.
“That’s not what I’m talking about.” Drawing his hand up, she gave it a kiss and looked up at him.
“What are you talking about then?”
“Why are we getting married?” She dropped her eyes. “We don’t need a priest or justice or anyone to tell us who we are to each other.”
“We’re getting older,” he answered. “I don’t want anyone to keep us apart if either of us gets ill.”
“They would do that?”
“They might.”
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)
Valley of the Trolls 
I’m still blinded by the imaginings of Baklava morning buns! Sounds sinful! Excellent write and sound reasoning.
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( mouth watering) 😉
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What a depressing comment on just how vile people are.
But neatly told, as always.
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Sadly, this is/was a very real concern for a number of happy couples I’ve known. Which underscores the function of marriage as a financial concern. Luckily these two also have a solid love…😉😊
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This excellent story is certainly based in truth! Many couples do legally marry just for the protection of it. My mom had a good friend who had been in a loving, life-long relationship with another woman, but they had never legally married. After Mom’s friend died, her family kicked her “significant other” out of the house the day after the funeral, and she had no legal leg to stand on, since her name was not on the deed. My mom was so upset about it, saying her friend would be horrified at how her family was treating the woman she loved!
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Yeah. Unfortunately, those hateful people are part of, and sustain The System.
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So sad.
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The system needs to evolve to reflect the times – said no lawmaker ever, I fear.
I’m with you, Liz – let them elope, not tell anyone they got married, and if ever they’re threatened with separation, then produce the marriage certificate and have the last laugh.
Good, thought-provoking story.
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Thanks, Jenne!
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Hell, take a chance. Still, very nice.
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I think they should elope & keep things quiet. Why upset what’s working? Still, a choice many a devoted older couple have had to make: insurance against the system.
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A very sweet story
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re welcome Liz
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❤️ Together, forever. In baklava.
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Because baklava makes life sweeter & everything makes sense! 😉
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An unpleasant but very real fact of life….or death, as the case may be.
Nice one, Liz.
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Thanks, Nancy!
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