Waltz

It was after midnight, and they were still waltzing. They spun across the black-and-white dance floor of the ballroom, nestled against each other, enchanted in their passion. The heart-warming music carried them away, the simple rhythm reigning over them... One, two, three... One, two, three... They gazed into each other's eyes, misty with emotion, half-closed with dreaminess. Their parted lips held only half-conscious smiles, a hint of shyness and a hint of surprise... The steady click of heels and the rustle of dresses were the only sounds besides the music flowing from the record player set in the corner of the room. They embraced each other lightly, yet tenderly. Her voluminous cream dress and matching gloves complemented his black suit and white shirt perfectly. His dark hair repeatedly disappeared behind her elaborate hairstyle, from which a few light locks had already escaped, only to reappear with another turn. They were the perfect pair of dancers. The harmony of their movements, the harmonious fluidity with which they moved around the room, testified to this.

The scent of flowers hung in the air, almost visible in the light of the chandeliers on the numerous tables lining the walls. Through the large, uncurtained window, the distant silhouettes of trees were visible, but above all, the starry firmament and the silver disc of the moon.

"I could dance with you all night long," she sighed.

"And I could hold you in my arms forever!" he whispered forcefully.

She said nothing. Embarrassed, she lowered her eyes.

"I didn't mean to confuse you. That wasn't my intention.

" "So...?" she dared to ask.

"I can't hide my feelings and thoughts. I'm always honest," he explained. "Madam... you charmed me, enchanted me from the very first bar... No force could stop me from expressing my burning desire to dance my whole life with you! Won't you answer me?

" "I'm afraid... I don't want to say too much. You lead me heavenly, the waltz melody is so intoxicating... I prefer to remain silent

." "Then allow me to speak. We've been silent for several hours now. I can't... I can't, I'm unable to tame my tongue, the storm raging in my heart... I must pay you compliments, for you are the most wonderful and magnificent..."

The phone rang. An intrusive signal repeated over and over again, like the buzzing of a mosquito.

"Damn!" she cursed aloud. She turned down the volume of the Straussian waltz and went to answer it.

"Good evening. May I speak to Leonora?" a male voice said.

"No. A mistake.

" "Then I apologize." Goodbye

. "What rudeness," she muttered, turning off the light and turning up the volume on the record player. "Where did I end up?"

She stood in the middle of the room, her left hand slightly raised, her right out to the side. She counted to three a few times and drifted off into a world of dance and imagination...

"Yes, you are the most wonderful woman I have ever met," he repeated, his eyes gleaming with profound truth.

"Ah..." she sighed happily. "You are too kind... I don't know what to say...

" "So please don't say anything." The man paused for a moment to raise his partner's hand to his lips, and a moment later they began dancing again. "Your gaze is the sweetest of responses... Your angelic beauty fully reflects the purity and beauty of your soul. I feel that at any moment you will capture my heart. Please, I beg you, let me go immediately... Have mercy on me, my lady, or I will love you for all eternity!... No! Please don't let me go! I will die if you move away from me even for a moment!" I don't know what I want anymore... Can I have even the slightest hope...

Sniff... sniff...

"Excuse me?" she answered, irritated.

"Good evening. Is Leonora here?" That polite male voice came again.

"I tell you once again that you're calling the wrong number. No Leonora lives here.

" "Leonora is my fiancée, and I'm sure...

" "And I assure you, no one by that name lives here.

" "Well, well. I apologize, and goodbye.

" "Hope? You can be sure!" she exclaimed, unable to remain silent any longer.

"So am I to understand that..." he hesitated, "you harbor any warmer feelings for me? My dearest... Don't answer... I read in your eyes... I trust that you, too, read in my gaze the entire immensity of love I have for you. Because there's nothing else to describe what I feel at this moment... and what I will feel forever..."

They stopped dancing. The waltz continued its moving, sweet melody, but this time they refused to be swept away. They stood facing each other, awestruck, in love, gazing into each other's eyes, floating on a wave of magical happiness and enchantment.

"Could I... Would it be too bold of me... Would..." he whispered uncertainly, moving his face closer and closer to hers. "Madam, allow me one, one kiss...

Sniff... Sniff... Sniff...

" "Good evening. Could I speak to Leonora? Please don't interrupt me... You won't get rid of me that easily... I know everything now, my love. I recognized your voice. That kiss was too bold; you might have thought ill of me. But I'm not like that! I'm a gentleman, and I love you madly! That sweet night of waltzing made me ready to jump into the fire for you. I beg for another chance!" I miss waltzing in your arms!...

"I miss you too..." she interrupted him heatedly.

And then...

She entered the large hall. The chandeliers were already alight, the waltz was flowing… The moon, surrounded by stars, peeked through the window. She heard footsteps behind her. She turned and saw him.

"Ah, so you have come..." He bowed, and emotion and gratitude flickered in his eyes.

A moment later they were waltzing. Swirling, they moved across the black-and-white parquet floor, nestled together, enchanted in their passion. The heart-warming music carried them away, the simple rhythm taking them over… One, two, three… One, two, three… One, two, three…