" As I dress he navigates through channels on the television, calling out updates. The Henshaws are here. His parents have arrived. Then, “Do you think we could have sex tonight?” His voice is quiet. “It would be nice.” “It’s the night before our wedding,” I say. “I’m so glad.” He starts his electric toothbrush, shuts it off. “You are so hot.” The toothbrush hums across his molars as he switches to a ball game. The canned multitude of a crowd and an announcer proclaims, “Higher and higher, another victory.” The groom’s gums buzz. “I have to go down to the front desk to borrow a hair dryer,” I say. “Isn’t there one right here?” He yanks it from the wall, shows it to me. “I need,” I say, “another one.” I "

― Marie-Helene Bertino , Parakeet