by Sarah Earlene Shere, ©2023
(Oct. 27, 2023) — [Read Parts 1 and 2 of this story here and here. – Ed.]
Year after year, I come back to these old fairgrounds, just hoping to find you once more. A cloud passes over the full moon. My watch begins to beep, alerting me to the time. Midnight, October 31st, again. But what year will it be this time? My square digital watch begins its transformation into an art-deco-style timepiece. I’m suddenly aware that a carnival has come alive around me. I’m drawn to the haunting melody of a horn solo coming from the direction of the pavilion. Making my way through the crowd, I fix my eyes on the singer who steps up to the microphone. She begins to softly sing. As she turns, our eyes meet. It’s you! Your hair is a faux bob, this time, your white arms are bare and sequins cover your dress (all a stark contrast to the proper Victorian lady I wooed last year), but there is no mistaking the spark when our gazes lock. By the time I make it to the edge of the bandstand, your song is over. I hold my hand out to you, “One more dance?” You gasp back a tear that wells up in your eyes as you accept.