The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue over London. Maria, dressed as a mail carrier, took a deep breath and adjusted her cap for the final time. After hours of traveling from London to Alan’s city, she was poised to execute a proposal that seamlessly blended her passion for literature with her deep affection for him. She stood in front of Alan’s apartment building, feeling a thrilling mix of excitement and anxiety.
With a package in hand—containing a cherished French romance novel and a handwritten letter—Maria knocked on Alan’s door. The sound echoed softly through the hallway. Alan, dressed in casual evening wear, opened the door, his eyes widening at the sight of a mail carrier’s uniform.
Alan: (looking puzzled) “Uh, can I help you?”
Maria, maintaining her best “mail carrier” voice, replied, “Delivery for Mr. Alan Wright. I have a special package for you.” Without waiting for a response, she placed the package on the doorstep and gave him a friendly nod before turning to leave.
Alan: (calling after her) “Wait a second… Do I know you?”
But Maria was already briskly walking away. Alan watched her go, puzzled and curious, then bent down to retrieve the package. He closed the door and immediately dialed Maria’s number, but it went straight to voicemail.
Alan: (muttering to himself) “What just happened?”
He tore open the package to find “L'Amour et les Étoiles,” a beloved French romance novel. The text was highlighted at a specific passage describing a magical rendezvous in New York. Next to the book was a letter in Maria’s elegant handwriting. Alan unfolded it and read:
**Letter:**
Dear Alan,
Surprise! I hope this delivery has made your evening a bit more interesting.
In the book you see before you, there is a passage that speaks of a rendezvous in New York. This is where we will be meeting soon, and it’s a place that I hope will become special for both of us.
I have one request: wear something red and beige. I want you to look as dashing as you always do. Get ready to be swept off your feet, and prepare yourself for an evening filled with love, laughter, and a touch of magic.
With all my love and excitement,
Maria
Alan’s heart raced as he scanned the highlighted passage again. It hinted at a rendezvous in New York, but Maria hadn’t specified the exact location. Determined to solve the puzzle, Alan quickly dressed in red and beige, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He grabbed his coat and set out, hoping to decipher the next clue.
First, he headed to the café Maria had mentioned in their previous conversations. As he arrived, the bustling atmosphere and the clinking of cups greeted him, but Maria was nowhere to be seen. He checked his watch and thought, “Maybe she meant the other café she loves.”
Alan hurried to the second café, a quaint spot renowned for its pastries. He arrived, breathless and slightly disheveled, only to find the staff preparing to close. He approached the counter, looking hopeful.
Alan: “Excuse me, has a woman in a red dress come in here?”
The barista, trying to stifle a chuckle, shook her head. “Sorry, sir. Haven’t seen anyone like that tonight.”
Alan groaned inwardly. “Alright, maybe she’s at the bookstore?”
He raced to the bookstore, a cozy haven of books and soft lighting. The store was inviting but empty of Maria. He approached the clerk, who looked at him with a mixture of sympathy and amusement.
Alan: “Has a woman in a red dress come through here?”
The clerk raised an eyebrow, trying not to laugh. “No, but she’d definitely stand out in here.”
Frustrated but undeterred, Alan left the bookstore and hurried to the last place he could think of—a charming little restaurant they had discussed. As he approached, he spotted Maria waiting outside, her red dress glowing under the streetlights, looking both radiant and slightly amused.
Alan: (exhausted but relieved) “Maria! I’ve been running all over town looking for you. This has been quite the adventure!”
Maria: (laughing) “Well, I hoped it would be memorable! I didn’t expect you to actually turn it into a scavenger hunt.”
Alan: (grinning) “You’re quite the mastermind. I almost asked a mime for directions, but I’m glad I didn’t!”
As they entered the restaurant, the intimate ambiance wrapped around them like a warm embrace. Candles flickered on each table, casting a soft glow that complemented the gentle strains of music playing in the background. The restaurant was a charming blend of rustic elegance, with fresh flowers on the tables and an inviting aroma of delicious food.
YOU ARE READING
Ink and Heartstrings
Short Story"Ink & Heartstrings" crafts a compelling narrative of romance and self-discovery within the vibrant world of publishing. The images used are not my own, they have been sourced from various other places.
