One slice won't hurt

As soon as Elena left the room, I leaned back in my chair and let out a deep breath. My mother's persistent expectations and the constant need to maintain appearances were suffocating. I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to regain my composure before facing the rest of the day.

Just as I was beginning to collect my thoughts, the door creaked open again. I didn't need to look up to know who it was. My mother's presence was always unmistakable.

"Carmen," she began, her tone laced with that familiar edge of disapproval, "I couldn't help but notice something rather peculiar."

I opened my eyes and met her gaze, already bracing myself for whatever critique she had prepared. "And what might that be, Mother?"

She walked further into the room, her steps deliberate and measured. "I have yet to see you and Elena share a kiss. Not even a peck on the cheek. It's very unusual for an engaged couple, don't you think?"