I WAS ABOUT TO SAY “I DO” AT MY WEDDING WHEN MY 13-YEAR-OLD SON SCREAMED, “DAD, WAIT! LOOK AT HER SHOULDER!” Four years ago, I buried my wife, and with her, a part of myself. But life went on. When I met Carolyn, it felt like I could finally breathe again. She was kind, caring, and, most importantly, she loved my son, Tim. He was thirteen now—old enough to form his own opinions but guarded with his emotions. He didn’t object to my marriage, but he wasn’t thrilled either. He just watched, observed, stayed quiet. And then the day came. The wedding took place in a small chapel, filled with warm candlelight and fresh flowers. Carolyn stood before me in an elegant sleeveless dress, her skin glowing under the soft lights. A veil covered her face. I lifted it with a smile. She looked beautiful. And then, I heard his voice. “DAD, WAIT!” The entire room froze. I turned my head. Tim had risen from his seat, his eyes wide, locked onto Carolyn. “DAD… LOOK AT HER SHOULDER!” I glanced down.

As I lifted my bride’s veil, ready to say “I do,” my son’s voice suddenly broke the silence. “Dad, wait! Look at her shoulder!” The room went still. Murmurs spread …

I WAS ABOUT TO SAY “I DO” AT MY WEDDING WHEN MY 13-YEAR-OLD SON SCREAMED, “DAD, WAIT! LOOK AT HER SHOULDER!” Four years ago, I buried my wife, and with her, a part of myself. But life went on. When I met Carolyn, it felt like I could finally breathe again. She was kind, caring, and, most importantly, she loved my son, Tim. He was thirteen now—old enough to form his own opinions but guarded with his emotions. He didn’t object to my marriage, but he wasn’t thrilled either. He just watched, observed, stayed quiet. And then the day came. The wedding took place in a small chapel, filled with warm candlelight and fresh flowers. Carolyn stood before me in an elegant sleeveless dress, her skin glowing under the soft lights. A veil covered her face. I lifted it with a smile. She looked beautiful. And then, I heard his voice. “DAD, WAIT!” The entire room froze. I turned my head. Tim had risen from his seat, his eyes wide, locked onto Carolyn. “DAD… LOOK AT HER SHOULDER!” I glanced down. Read More