Two months after the divorce, you attend a wedding with your ex-husband. The newlyweds pose; the photographer shuffles guests. Several rearrangements later, the inevitable happens: You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with your ex. “Get closer!” the photographer commands, pointing at you. You move a millimeter to the right. “Come on!” he cajoles. “Put your arm around her.” Your ex holds his hands up—no thanks. “Act like you like each other!” he commands. The bride grimaces; the groom coughs. “We’re divorced!” you yell. “Just take the picture!” Startled laughter erupts; the tension breaks. In the photo, everybody’s smiles are genuine. Even yours.
Jen Bryant is a Southerner living in the Midwest. Her work has appeared in Ms., BUST, The Sun, Matter News, and elsewhere. Bluesky: @jen-bryant.bsky.social