The soft chatter of the excited guests quieted as the news of the arrival of the bride began to make her way through the crowd. The guests stood silently, each turning to the end of the aisle. Their movements were muffled by the soft, early-morning grass beneath their feet. Even the trees seemed to sense her arrival, their leaves rustled in the light spring breeze. The scent of the cherry blossoms filled the air. The pianist began to play, the soft tinkle of keys already bringing a tear or two to an old lady's eye.

He shifted where he stood. The aisle suddenly seemed much longer than it was a few seconds ago. He tried his best to keep from thinking, but try as he might, he couldn't quite shoo the memories away.