𝙈𝙄𝙉𝙀 𝐹𝑜𝓇 𝒶 𝙈𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏

𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮

⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙♡☼⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙

I stood in front of my full-length mirror, adjusting the delicate straps of my dark blue dress. The fabric flowed gracefully around me, a simple yet elegant choice for the evening. 

I admired the way it caught the light, reflecting subtle shades that seemed to dance with my movements. As i left my hair down, soft waves cascaded over my back in a gentle embrace.

A touch of makeup accentuated my features—just a hint of blush to bring warmth to my cheeks, a light coat of mascara that made my dark lashes flutter like butterfly wings, and a swipe of rose gloss on my lips that felt fresh and inviting. 

Stepping back, i twirled in front of the mirror, my laughter bubbling up as the dress swirled around me. The sheer joy of the moment was intoxicating, momentarily lifting the heaviness that often accompanied my thoughts.

But as the twirl ended and i stood still, my mind drifted back to the man i had encountered the day before. He had been striking, with a gaze that held an intensity i hadn't experienced before—his deep-set eyes seemed to pierce through my cheerful facade, awakening a curiosity within me that felt both thrilling and terrifying.

What was his name? Would i ever see him again? 

These questions swirled in my mind like a whirlwind, mixing excitement with a tinge of anxiety. Shaking my head lightly, i tried to push the thoughts away. 

Tonight is for family. Focus, Rosaline.

With a deep breath, i turned away from the mirror, each step toward the living room filled with anticipation. 

The sound of laughter drifted down the hallway, a warm invitation that made my heart swell. my father and grandmother were already there, the air thick with their shared joy. my father sat on the edge of the couch, his expression a blend of seriousness and warmth that i had come to recognize as his way of showing love.

He looked up as i entered, his dark hair, streaked with silver, catching the light. Without needing words, he rose to greet me. 

As i walked over, he enveloped me in a firm embrace, the kind that spoke of protection and unconditional love. It felt safe, grounding me in a moment where everything else faded away. When he pulled back, 

I turned to my grandmother, whose wise, kind eyes sparkled with affection.

"Nonna," i said softly, taking the older woman's hand in mines. The warmth of my grandmother's hand felt familiar, like a piece of home. I bent down, pressing my lips to my grandmother's hand, then kissed her forehead gently. My grandmother's smile widened, the lines on her face deepening with joy, as she patted my cheek, her touch tender and reassuring.

"You look lovely, my dear," my grandmother said, her voice rich with warmth. "Tonight is special."

With a shared understanding, we made our way to the front door, stepping into the cool evening air. The sky was a canvas painted in deepening blues, with stars beginning to twinkle like tiny diamonds scattered across velvet. 

My father opened the car door for us, a gesture of respect that I appreciated, and i settled into my seat beside my grandmother, who sighed contentedly as she fastened her seatbelt.

As the car pulled away from our home, I gazed out the window, watching the city unfold before me. The streetlights blurred into a warm glow, illuminating the darkening streets and casting playful shadows inside the car. 

Each flicker of light sparked a thought, a memory, or a dream, swirling together in her mind. The comforting hum of the engine wrapped around me, blending with the soft chatter of my father and grandmother as they discussed their plans for the evening.

I let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me. Family dinners had always been a source of comfort and stability, but tonight felt different; it felt like a bridge between the safety of my family and the unknown adventures waiting just beyond our little world. I longed for something more—something that whispered of excitement, of change, and of new beginnings.

My thoughts drifted back to that encounter. I could still picture him standing there, the way he had tilted his head slightly as he spoke, his voice smooth and confident. 

What if he was part of something greater? What if our paths were meant to cross again?

The uncertainty of it all both thrilled and terrified me, a potent mix of hope and trepidation. The city streets outside blurred into a haze as my mind wandered, filled with dreams of possibilities and daring escapades.

⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙♡☼⭒°ˑ˚。﹒∙

as promised 

(825 words)