Screen glowed
blue/white
in the gloom…
his shadow
a hunchbacked giant's silhouette
upon the wall.
A sigh
plaintive…despairing
disturbed
the tranquility
of the room.
A fingertip
reverently traced
the outline of her face
upon the glass.
So near
yet,
a million dreams…
futile wishes
away.
In the privacy
of this room
he can touch her
reflection…
rehearse words
ensured
to woo…enchant.
Here
in the dark…
she is his
Cinderella…Snow White
he…
her heart's Prince Charming.
Countless times
his fingers
have hovered
above the keys
poised to construct
a missive
guaranteed to intrigue…
induce a response.
Time and again
he’s faltered
as fear
overrode ardor.
Tonight
would prove no different.
But…
tomorrow…
there was always
tomorrow…
the same scenario to replay.
Miserably
he logged out…
the photo dissipated…
her gamine smile
like the Cheshire Cat’s
the last to fade away.
Metal chair legs
objected
at his standing.
Walking to the door…
hurrying down the stairs…
he stepped out
into the bitingly cold night.
Late.
Minette would be upset…
again.
She’d glare…berate…
call him mad
for his ridiculous
“obsession”.
Her words would sting
but draw no blood.
Shame at his own cowardice
to proclaim his love
had clawed
truer wounds.
The park
was a charcoal study
under the leeching
moon.
His feet crunched
the ice frosted grass.
His sister’s voice
beckoned
upon the wind
Michel hurry up!
Mama…
the others…
are waiting!
His pace…
pulse…
quickened.
As always
their nearness…
collective scent…
influenced…
fostered confidence.
Tomorrow night
he'd do it…
email her…
pour his feelings out.
She'd accept him…
he had no doubt…
for what he was.
The belief…anticipation
animated his blood…
intensified the glow in his eyes.
His sister’s hand emerged
impatiently pulling him
through the mirror.
The End
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