The Unwanted Announcement
The low hum of whispered voices filled the air, weaving through the ornate wooden panels that lined the family room. Warm light from brass lanterns cast flickering shadows across the polished floor, revealing the intricate patterns of the handwoven rug beneath their feet. Avery stood near the doorway, her fingers curling tightly around the delicate fabric of her dress, heart hammering against her ribs like a warning drum. Around her, the room teemed with relatives—some with aged faces etched by time, others younger, their eyes shimmering with curiosity and expectation. The scent of sandalwood and jasmine hung heavy, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed tea.
Her mother’s voice cut through the murmurs, firm and resolute. “Everyone, please settle. We have an important matter to discuss.”
The chatter ceased abruptly, replaced by a tense silence that pressed upon Avery’s chest. She glanced sideways at her father, whose usually steady expression now bore the weight of solemnity. His hands rested on his knees, fingers twitching in an unconscious display of unease. Across the room, her grandmother, matriarch of the family, sat perched on her carved chair, eyes sharp beneath…
