I ask my mother,

“Mommy, do you love daddy?”

“No.” She says bluntly.

“What?” I ask confused.

“You’re dad and I are perfect for each other, but I do not love him.”

“Why?”

“It’s just the way the world works, honey.”

“So even if you love someone you can’t marry them?”

“Honey, do not talk of such things.” She says sternly.

“But why!”

“They’ll teach you about the dangers of love when you enter your schooling years, my dear. For now don’t give a ounce of your attention.” She says while squeezing my shoulders.

“But then mommy, how did you meet daddy? How did you know he was perfect?” A sad smile tugs at her lips.

“When you’re sixteen you’ll take a test and then when you’re eighteen you’ll take another test. With the information from them they’ll find your match. It can sometimes take until you’re twenty one to get the results but no later than that. You also must get married within a year of getting the results. You know your dad and I got married with in a month.”

“What happens if you don’t?” I ask intrigued.

“You know what, I don’t know. I must’ve missed the day we went over it in school. See why it’s important to never miss a day of school?”

“Yes mommy.” I say before giving her a kiss and walking away. But I know when I’m older I’m going to marry for love.