Engaged
I press beyond the billowing chiffon curtains of the ballroom to seek refuge in the gardens. The further I go, the calmer I feel. I look in every direction but behind me, wanting to distance myself as much as possible from the party- my engagement party- and it’s sybaritic attendees. I look up to the familiar sight of moonlight echoed a thousandfold in the stars; I look left and right to the straight-edged hedges, glossy with pale starlight; I look ahead as I finally reach my refuge, the gilded fountain. I glance once behind me to make sure I wasn’t followed, and reach into the hidden pocket of my gown to retrieve my new silver lighter. I play with the switch, relishing the satisfying click and the flickering little green flame it generates. The emerald hue is produced courtesy of boric acid mixed into the accelerant.
