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[av_heading heading=’Love in the time of Bacunaua’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY PETER SOLIS NERY
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January 19, 2018
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XLIV. PUBLIC DANCE
You cannot hide yourself when you dance. You cannot think about it, cannot count the beats, or tell yourself to do this step, or that step. You just have to dance.
*
In the performance space below the stage, to the music of Johann Strauss IIās āAn der schonen blauen Donau,ā also known as āOn the Beautiful Blue Danubeā op. 314, the Festival Queen danced briefly with the congressman, then with the record producer.
After which, the emcee announced, Ladies and gentlemen, the public may dance.
*
Several couples went to the dance floor, danced the waltz.
From across the dance floor, Matt looked at Dulce.
She smiled at him.
A new waltz began.
Matt stood up, and almost like in slow motion, walked towards Dulce, who nervously fidgeted with her hands.
He stood before her, and with a flourish, ceremoniously extended his hand, bowed to Dulce, May I have this dance?
*
Of course, he may! He must!
She took Mattās hand, they moved to join the dancing crowd.
Holding Dulce in a dance, everything else blurred for Matt who only saw Dulce, radiantly beautiful.
The most beautiful girl in the world.
They danced regally.
Matt tightened his embrace.
Dulce squeezed him back, laid her head on Mattās shoulder.
He closed his eyes, and saw…
*
The night sky.
Full moon.
A few stars here and there.
The sky was a strange, romantic blue and violet.
Matt and Dulce dancing on the clouds.
Their bodies met. Their faces coming closer to each other.
Closer, and closer. They were about to kiss.
*
When suddenly, Dulce exclaimed, No!
Just as abruptly, the music stopped. (To be continued)/PN
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