Little Stories

4. Always

Click!

Click!

Click!

     A sharp sound reverberated down a vast hallway of dust and dank. Nothing was present besides the old cobwebs strewn from the cracked stone floor to the arched ceiling. Gradually, the darkness of this corridor was disrupted by a fluorescent orb held aloft by an approaching figure. The echoes grew louder as the being advanced. In the limited light, the figure could be seen clad in a dark and hooded robe, and most interestingly, the individual donned a pair of ruby red heels.

     The figure continued down the passage at a steady pace, heels clicking upon stone. Suddenly, it stopped, and the orb of light flew towards a seemingly normal crack in the wall. Turning, the being surged towards the break and touched a gloved finger to it.

"Omnia vincit amor."

     A doorway appeared from the fading illusion of the wall. Grabbing the doorknob, the figure twisted and wrenched the door open eagerly, revealing a spacious room. Inside, hundreds of candles were lit. They illuminated another individual who was bedecked in a richly red suit ensemble. The new figure, distinctly male, turned to the intruder and spoke with a warm smile, "Et nos cedamus amori."

A weak noise of amusement left the cloaked figure before the robe was shed, revealing a dark-haired woman. She stepped forward and replied, "Meus amor."

"Sempe."

Once again, the clicking of heels could be heard as the woman approached a table holding a gramophone. She spun the hand crank multiple times before setting the needle upon a well-loved record and turning back towards the man.

"Can we move on to the main event?"

"Bored?"

"I do love it when you quote poetry..."

"But?"

"It has been too long, and our short respites are never enough."

A hush falls upon the room, leaving only the weak sound of music hiccupping from the music device. The warmth falls from the man's face, replaced by bitter sorrow.

"I am sorry that I cannot give you more."

"Oh, you have nothing to apologize for. It is my fault."

"I still love you."

Girlish giggles spilled from the lady's mouth as she moved towards the man. Placing a hand tentatively upon his shoulder, she looked up at him.

"As do I, and I am eternally grateful."

The man sighed, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Enough. Let me guide us into a moment of dreams, happiness, and love."

The woman stammered as he pulled her into a slow waltz.

"My love!"

He chuckled deeply as he stared at the woman in his arms.

"You are a vision..."

An amused hum resonated from the woman before she responded, "Really? I wish I could say the same."

"You jest!"

"I thought I was speaking seriously..."

Frowning, the man studied the woman's face. Suddenly, her serious veneer opened up to a breathtaking smile.

"Let me reverse. I love you."

"That's what I wanted to hear."

"You're amusing."

"Sempe."