The Sound Of Your Heart

THIRTY-SIX

JESSICA

As the night descended, the shadows grew long and dark, casting an eerie glow over everything as the streets were adorned with streetlamps, save for the distant hum of crickets and the occasional barking of dogs. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as I drove my car towards my aunt's Wedding Anniversary Party, while the memory of my mother's recent conversation with that psychiatrist still lingered in my mind.

I sighed to calm myself, the air around me seemed to shift and ripple like a heat mirage on a summer day. The tension in my shoulders eased ever so slightly as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the cool night air wash over me. When I opened my eyes again, everything looked different - the neon lights of the city seemed brighter, the sounds of traffic more distant, and the stars above twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet blackness of the sky. It was then that I knew something was off, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.

I shrugged on my mask, feeling the familiar weight of the leather against my skin, and stepped out of the car into the night. As I walked towards the entrance of the venue, the air around me began to change once again.

As I stepped into the grand ballroom, I couldn't help but gasp in amazement. The room was transformed into a winter wonderland theme, with glittering snowflakes suspended from the ceiling and delicate icicles adorning every available surface. The chandeliers were made of crystal and shone like diamonds, casting a magical glow over everything. Tables were set with fine linens and adorned with stunning floral arrangements that seemed to dance in the flickering candlelight. The guests were dressed to impress, their sparkling gowns and tuxedos adding to the festive atmosphere.

Suddenly I felt a presence behind me. I turned to see a waiter approaching with a round tray full of drinks. But just as he was about to pass by me, I reached out and grabbed a glass of margarita from his tray. The waiter nodded his head in understanding before continuing on his way, weaving through the crowded place.

As I scanned the crowded room, my eyes struggled to pick out any familiar faces beneath the masks that everyone wore. The air was thick with the hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses, but despite the lively atmosphere, I felt a pang of loneliness.

I took a sip of my drink and began to wander the room, just as I was starting to feel like I wouldn't make it through the night, I spotted a group of people huddled in the corner, laughing and chatting animatedly. But it was the woman standing at the center of the room that caught my attention. She wore a gown of silk and satin, its intricate patterns shimmering in the light. Her hair cascaded down her back like a river of gold, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to shine brightly.

I walked closer, hoping to get her attention, and to my delight, she caught sight of me and smiled. She beckoned me over with a wave of her hand, and before I knew it, she was enveloping me in a warm embrace.

"Oh honey, I'm so glad you made it!" she exclaimed, holding me at arm's length to take in my appearance. "You look stunning tonight."

We pulled back from the hug, and I grinned mischievously. "You know I can't miss this party, Aunty," I teased, using the affectionate term that only she and I shared. We both laughed, and she patted my cheek fondly.

"Of course not, my dear," she replied. "Now come along, let me show you around and introduce you to some people."

With her arm through mine, we set off into the crowded room,

"Look at you, you've grown a lot, and you got prettier too, but still I missed your pink highlights," she said, complimenting me as she checked my hair with her delicate hand.