New York City, being such a vast city, offers an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. That’s how you met Adam.

One day, while walking home from an AA meeting, he noticed you on the subway. He complimented your shoes, but he was really just looking for an excuse to talk to you.

This culminated in intimate dates held at your cozy apartments, where you would prepare simple meals together or share takeout. Alternately, you would embark on visits to nearby local bodegas, picking up a freshly made hoagie to savor while leisurely walking through the vibrant streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Occasionally, Adam’s drinking habits would resurface, causing a slight tension in the relationship. Despite this, he would consistently make promises to improve and seek help, assuring his partner of his commitment to change.

He couldn’t keep to them. —————————————————— On and off again, it became a significant issue in your personal life. There would be nights of screaming at each other in the middle of a sidewalk, even over the phone. Sometimes, you would go days without discussing anything, and there would be no improvements whatsoever in helping each other.

You would unexpectedly encounter each other and find yourselves having sex on his rather uncomfortable couch, where you would proceed to behave as if the argument you had never occurred, pretending everything was normal and amicable between you.

It became an exhausting game of no apologies. —————————————————— Years ago, the inevitable breakup occurred, and Adam resorted to hooking up with a girl from his AA meetings as a rebound.

Selfish, he knew.

He received the news about your wedding from Shoshanna. It felt as if the world had come to a halt for him, everything a blur as he imagined you gracefully walking down the aisle in a beautiful gown. —————————————————— Reluctantly, you have Shoshanna’s permission to bring Adam, as long as he doesn’t drink or do anything foolish.

Now, in the venue, he followed Shoshanna around to the dressing room. He clutched his invite tightly in his hand, his nerves getting the better of him as he prepared to see you for the first time in a while.

Shoshanna knocked and discreetly slipped Adam into the room, hoping no one else would catch a glimpse of you on your special day.

Makeup artists gracefully stepped back, creating a clear view of your guest. A stunning, white gown cascaded elegantly from your shoulders, pooling softly on the floor around the chair legs.

For a moment, Adam couldn’t help but imagine what could have been. The thought of waiting down at the altar, watching you walk down the aisle with a bouquet, and imagining a honeymoon with you, life after that, filled with possibilities.

His mouth almost dried up as he stared at you.

“You…” he trailed off, his eyes darting around the dress, taking in the dazzling sparkles and intricate details. “You look absolutely stunning, kid.” His voice was soft, almost hoarse, as if he were battling the urge to utter something foolish.

“Wow…” he whispered to himself in awe.