Beneath the Chatter

She slipped through the door of the old community hall, rattling with chatter and the clink of glass. Laughter curled around dusty chairs as she scanned the room. A familiar silhouette stood near the refreshment table, shoulders squared against the hum of conversation. When their eyes met, her heart sped against her ribcage. He took a half-step forward, then paused as if weighing the moment.

He cleared his throat. “May I have this dance?”

Her mouth went dry. She should have refused, but she lifted her hand. He slid his palm into hers, guiding her beneath the strings of twinkling lights. For a single heartbeat, the crowd fell away.