ROMANCE - SLOWBURN - INDENTITY - ART - FEMALE & FEMALE
Can we find ourselves in others?
Lena, a soulful writer, weaves words from whispers and secrets. Seeking solace in the night, she pours her heart onto the page, but fears sharing her true self.
...
Val's gaze lingered on Lena's last message: 'Maybe someday, but I'm pretty busy with writing right now.' The words seemed to dance on her screen, their meaning elusive, like the subtle nuances of a waltz.
As she prepared for her morning dance class, Val's mind wandered. She tied her hair into a loose bun, the soft strands framing her face. Her gaze dropped, her thoughts weighing her down, as she mechanically tied her hair.
What did I do wrong? Val wondered. Was I too forward? The uncertainty swirled in her chest.
At the studio, Val began setting up the sound system, the melodic strains of Chopin's Nocturne filling the room. She took a deep breath, letting the music's soothing melody and the scent of freshly waxed floors calm her nerves.
Teaching her intermediate ballroom dance class, Val's body moved on autopilot. Her feet glided across the floor. She guided her students through the waltz's rhythmic rises and falls. However, her mind drifted to Lena – their conversations, the way Lena's eyes sparkled when discussing art.
"Remember, keep your posture straight, and let the music guide your movements," Val instructed, her voice gentle but focused.
But her thoughts betrayed her:
What if Lena's just being polite? What if she doesn't feel the same connection? Val's heart skipped a beat. She pushed the doubts aside, focusing on the lesson.
As she demonstrated a particularly intricate step, Val's thoughts slipped back to Lena. How could she convey her genuine interest in friendship without overwhelming Lena? Val's mind seesawed between excitement and caution, unsure how to bridge the gap between friendship and her growing feelings.
During the break, Val sat in the studio's garden, midst a tapestry of blooming flowers, their colours bursting in the sunlight. The scent of blooming lavender and freshly cut grass filled the air. She pulled out her phone and typed out a message.
Val: Hey Lena, hope you're doing well. No pressure, but I've really cherished our talks. Would love to keep talking, just as friends.
As she hesitated before sending the message, Val's inner dialogue unfolded:
This is crazy. I'm in a relationship. But there's something about Lena... Her passion, her creativity... It resonates deep within me.
Val sent the message, her heart beating slightly faster.
As she resumed teaching, Val's thoughts returned to Lena. What if Lena didn't respond? What if their connection was truly lost?
After the class, Val reflected on her motivations. I care about Alex, but this feels different, she admitted to herself. This is about understanding, about finding someone who sees me.
In the studio's changing room, Val caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her eyes seemed to hold a newfound softness, a vulnerability she hadn't acknowledged before.
Val acknowledged the spark within her but refused to let it grow into something that might harm Alex or Lena.
"This is about friendship," Val reminded herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Pure and simple."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Val left the studio, the late afternoon sunlight casting a warm glow.
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