After the ceremony, we sat at round tables and were served lunch. I had never been to a real wedding before. My new wife’s mother rose, clinked her glass with her spoon, and made charming remarks. My new wife’s father rose, clinked his glass with his spoon, and made charming remarks. My parents were dead. A pause. I resumed eating. Our guests began clinking their glasses with their spoons. I wondered why they were doing that. They continued for a minute, then, glancing at one another, stopped. I knew that I had done something wrong. No one told me what.
Robert Fromberg is author of the memoir How to Walk with Steve: autism, art, alcoholism, death from Peoria to CBGB (Latah Books). Find Robert at robertfrombergwriter.com or on Twitter @RobFromberg.