Silenced No More, The Stuttering Bride Walks Away

I have a stutter.

Growing up, everyone loved to speak for me.

My dad always said, "If you can't spit it out, shut your mouth and let Serena talk."

My fiancé said, "You'll only humiliate yourself on stage. It's a blessing Serena is willing to help you."

Serena said, "What's wrong with me being your voice? You should be grateful."

She accepted my writing awards on my behalf. She presented my project pitches. She even wrote my wedding vows.

They called it a favor.

I called it having my lips stitched shut.

...

At the annual gala, the host announced my name.