All of a sudden the room grew gravely still. Rude and harsh eyes wash over us and the world paused for half a moment. I glance from his new frown to the familiar swish of velvet color, and down to the small tear stain on my yellow bodice. The world stirrs, with a few hesitant coughs in the background. Eric forced a smile and placed a hand on the small of my back, leading me through the grand golden doors. Red uniformed attendants closed the doors behind us as a waltz began.

    Eric's hand fiddled with the back of my dress, and I closed my eyes, taking a breath of the crisp night air. The stars smiled at me when I reopened my eyes, and for a moment, I could imagine this moment never ending. This moment, in which all that mattered was the stars glittering, feeling the warmth of Eric through the silk dress, and his lips lightly brushing my ear.

    "Why?" He whispered.

    "All I want is to fall in love with you, but the second that I do, I stop myself, because I know that you won't catch me."

    "I'll take care of you."

    "But will you love me?"