Cloud Gazing

This story uses the defense mechanism of projection to demonstrate how inward insecurities can influence how we see the world. Although I am getting married soon, this story is not autobiographical. It does, however, reflect some of the experiences of myself, my fiance, and one of my close friends as we struggled with our decisions to marry. More than anything, I wanted to demonstrate the main character's downward spiral of thoughts as he moves towards this critical juncture in his life. I also loved the idea of Gloria's facial expressions following the same progression as the clouds. Maybe someday I'll write a happy love story, but for this piece I wanted to focus on the inner struggle of the main character.