The notes of Enrico Caruso's Pagliacci deftly filled the warehouse as gentle fog touched the spotless window panes. The early morning breeze was calming, and dew began to form on the grass, making the leaves soppy. "Di quell sdegro, el'amor mio piu forte!" Caruso sang, and his thunderous tenor dominated the place. So angry are you, so much stronger is my love!
A tall dark figure entered the warehouse from the back door. From his silhouette, I could tell it was a man. He took wary and hurried steps, but with a certain grace. As the figure came to light, I quickly recognized him- the man was Daniel. He softly sang a few lines as he reached for the mop and pail inside the small storage room of the warehouse.
"Good morning, Anna!" he greeted me with his usual bursting energy. "I have a surprise for you later."
All of a sudden, he let go of the mop, took me in his arms then led me to the center of the dress shop. For some reason, he seemed extremely happy about this day. It was a Wednesday, and it was just a normal working day. For me, at least. As he took my hand, I felt a lot of eyes stare at Daniel and me. You're not supposed to do this, their watching eyes said.
"See, Anna? Come on! You just take my hand like this," he took my hand, "then put it on my shoulder. I put mine on your hip, then we sway." As if on cue, the radio played a slow song. The lights inside the store switched on and it felt like-what do those posh girls call it?-ah, yes... Prom.
It felt like promenade. I rested my head on his shoulder then closed my eyes. A few moments later, Daniel let go then twirled me. We seemed to float on our feet. From swaying, our dance changed to waltzing. We moved slowly around the place, and instead of seeing a dusty old warehouse, in the blink of an eye, the place became a grand hall. Red and gold curtains were draped over large stained glass windows. The soft beams of daybreak passed through the windows and delicate colors filled the hall. Daniel was no longer a warehouse janitor. In my mind's eye, he played the part of a dashing bachelor, with his black tuxedo and a bow tie while I was a debutante with my lavender ball gown that had puffed sleeves and was adorned with pearls.
Daniel stroked my cheek soothingly. "I love you, Anna," he whispered in my ear. I smiled then returned to my spot. The whimsical place in my mind was gone. I was back in this dusty, small, and old warehouse. I gave out my best smile and waited for interested customers to come inside and try out the dresses. It was around five in the morning when the storeowner, Mr. Randolph, arrived.
After he removed the cobwebs, wiped the windows, and mopped the floors, Daniel decided to leave. "Sir, may I now go?" he asked Mr. Randolph.
A thin crease formed on the old man's forehead. He made a soft cracking sound. "Why are you in a hurry, my boy?" he asked. Daniel smiled and whispered, "It's a big day today. I'm going to surprise my girl." He then winked at the old man.
Mr. Randolph's eyes twinkled as he laughed. "Good luck, my boy. She's pretty something, that girl. Her black eyes never fail to make me smitten." Then, he waved his hand, signaling Daniel to go off.
The bell by the door rang, indicating that Daniel has left. His voice rammed through my head. "I have a surprise for you later," he said earlier. "I love you, Anna."
I love you, Daniel. God knows how much I do.
The bell rang once more and a really beautiful woman, perhaps in her early twenties, entered the shop. She walked my way, her jet-black hair flying against the soft breeze. Her smiling eyes, which were the color of midnight, gleamed as she took more steps towards me. I beamed at her, encouraging her to come closer. She reached for the scarf near me, then inspected it. She looked at me and asked, "How much are you selling this one?"
