Always


“You’re my girl—
Right?”

Music plays
Laughter is heard
And dancers tell a story
With every twist and turn.
One girl stands alone
Dressed like the others—
Ball gowns and masks.
She’s waiting—
He said
He’d never forget her.
Another approaches
And asks for a dance—
She smiles
And graciously declines.
She’s waiting—
For her dark prince
Who fills her heart
With the unknown.
Two more songs
Pass in a blur
Of revolving colors
Lovers on the dance floor.
Again—
A man strides up
And asks her to dance.
Her excuses are empty
To her own ears—
But he bows
And leaves her standing alone.
She’s waiting.
Her mask hides her face
But tears soak the top
Of her beautiful gown
And her painted mouth quivers
With barely suppressed sobs.
A knight—
Not her own
But one made of light—
Walks over
And finally she’s tempted…
But her tears fall faster
As she sends him away.
She’s waiting
For her dark prince
Who has already forgotten
Her name.

“…Always.”