Prom Night Promises
A Microfiction
Ralph tried to be patient as he waited in line at the Macy’s register.
The cashier raised an eyebrow as he deposited the pink taffeta dress and the peep-toe pumps on the counter.
After he paid the forty dollars and she handed him his receipt, he hurried out of the department store.
Once he arrived at his destination he took the elevator to the fourth floor where he received another quizzical look from the receptionist.
“Which patient are you here to see?” she asked.
“Eileen Parker.”
“Room 407.”
Ralph made his way down the hall. He stopped at the open door and peered inside. There she was, her nose buried in a book as usual.
He tapped his knuckles against the door frame. Eileen's chin lifted and her eyes widened. “Ralph!” she exclaimed incredulously.
“Hi there, Eileen.”
“What are you doing here?”
“What? Don’t tell me you forgot! We have a date! It’s prom night!” Ralph said playfully.
“But I thought you shipped out this morning!”
“I secured a later transit. There was no way I could miss this.”
Eileen’s grin faltered a bit. “You know I can’t go. I’ve got another treatment in the morning.”
“Who said anything about leaving. We’re having prom right here.”
After a teary nurse helped Eileen get dressed they turned on the radio and danced to “Blue Champagne”.
“Promise me you’ll be here when I get back,” Ralph whispered.
“I will if you promise me you’ll come back.”
“I promise.”
“I promise too.”
Author's Note: This was written for the first round of the 2024 NYC Midnight 250 Word Microfiction Challenge. My assignment included the following: Genre - Romance, Action - Buying clothing, Word - Patient
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
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Comments (12)
You know...I can see why this went through to the next round. The minute I realised what was happening, because I feel I know what you're like a little, this was just beautiful and your gentle touch really drove home the emotions of it. There is no denying your skill for fiction and just human emotions and yes, the romance pounded at my heart. Such a great use of the economy of words to convey important aspects, like the teary nurse, etc etc. Marvellous work and glad you shared it here.
I hope you won the comp!😳Such a poignant tale… no small task with the random prompts 😵💫. The song beautifully complements the story… it has similar vibes to songs my Dad liked (e.g. Moon River).💖
I love your microfiction and fiction stories so much. There's a humanness to them that adds such intense depth. This is beautiful. Well done!
Such a sweet story, lovely timing for the season!! Nicely done, DK!!
Awww, Ralph is so sweet! Loved your story
I love this micro, D.K.! There is so much sweet emotion in this short piece. I hope you made it to the next round of the challenge!
Aww. This is so lovely. Well done.
A tender, touching tale!
Well-wrought! May such promises always be kept!
So sweet and heartwarming!!
This is so, so sweet - a poignant, heartfelt micro! A lot of emotion and meaning packed so well into this piece, D.K.!
This a delightful cozy micro, DK! Loved it!