FIFTY SEVEN

KAREN

The plump woman appeared startled as we emerged.

"What is this nonsense? Where is the supposed makeup?" she demanded, her voice laced with irritation.

Cynthia stepped forward. "Mother, I'm sorry, but I can't marry him."

The hefty woman seemed taken aback. "What nonsense are you talking about, child? You agreed to marry him; you promised me that you would."

Cynthia wiped away her tears. "I did, but upon further reflection, I can't marry Frederick. I love Edwin, and he's the one I want to marry."

The woman's expression turned to anger. "What do you mean, marry Edwin, that useless boy without a future? You want to throw away a very bright future with Frederick just because of him? That poor thing," she said, her voice filled with frustration.

I stood by, observing the interaction between the mother and daughter without intervening. It seemed best for her to confront her problems on her own.

"Mom, please don't call Edwin a poor thing. He's the man I love, and besides, he's no