Let's Not Meet Again

Zac loved exploring the wilderness. While spelunking in an uncharted cave with friends, poisonous gas unexpectedly trapped him. Zac forbade me from calling for help, insisting there was a naked woman inside the cave and we needed to protect her privacy.

I left behind millions of fans at my concert to rescue him alone. That was when I inhaled the gas and lost my voice forever.

Zac knelt and passionately proposed, promising to protect and never abandon me forever. On our wedding day, the naked woman from the cave stood beside me, holding a microphone and smiling gleefully.

Zac comforted me, patting my head gently. "Baby, the bride has to say her vows. Since you can't speak, let her say them for you."

I listened to them finish their vows sweetly, expressed their love to each other and turned around to sign the application for body donation. Seven days later, my poisonous body would be sent to the research institute where Zac worked for dissection.

***

At the wedding ceremony, I sat in a wheelchair, wearing a veil that obscured my face. Carmen stood behind the curtain holding the microphone, her eyes full of tears and her voice trembling. "Zac, I do! I am willing to marry you!"

The audience cheered for the love between Zac and me, chanting for a kiss. Only then did Zac reluctantly shift his gaze from behind the curtain and passionately kiss my lips.

I instinctively recoiled in disgust. Zac was momentarily stunned but then gently caressed my head to console me. "Liz, I know you've always had low self-esteem because your entire mouth is burned and your lips are covered in scars, but don't worry, I will always love you. I'll stay by your side and be your voice forever."

He picked up the microphone and lovingly sang my debut song. A female voice smoothly joined in during the chorus, the two voices blending perfectly, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Zac couldn't contain his emotions any longer and turned to smile tenderly at Carmen behind the curtain.

I used to be insecure about the severe burns in my mouth and on my vocal cords, so I wouldn't let Zac kiss me. However, I recoiled this time because I felt Zac was disgusting. He had promised me a future, only to ruin my life.

After the ceremony, most relatives left early and a few old friends got drunk at the tables. Carmen was happily drinking at the main table after accomplishing her mission. A friend teased her, "Carmen, you should toast Elizabeth! She's your lifesaver, after all!"

Carmen waved dismissively and started shouting, "Why should I? It's her fault for meddling! If she hadn't ruined her future by trying to show off, would Zac have married so early? Isn't it all her fault? Our research institute is so busy; this was our only hobby. She caused such a mess that Zac had to stop exploring with us to comfort her and you're still siding with her!"

Unaware I was behind him, Zac pulled Carmen's arms and tried calming her down. "Alright, Carmen, don't cause trouble on such a happy day. After all, Liz did save us and we should be grateful to her. If you're upset, I'll tell her I have to work overtime and sneak out to be with you next time."

Carmen's face flushed. She turned and leaned against Zac. "That's more like it!"

She met my gaze as she turned her head. Her eyes were clear and sober, also filled with blatant provocation.

Zac also turned and saw me. He hastily pushed Carmen away, gently placed a blanket over me and wheeled me closer to him. "Liz, why aren't you resting? Why did you come out here?"