speaking to her. It was as if they stood alone on the
bridge. “It was wonderful, perhaps the best of the
season.”
“Do you come to each concert?” he asked, not caring
about the answer, wanting only to keep her at ease by
keeping her talking.
“Yes.” she replied excitedly. “I’ve been playing the
clarinet for five years now, and my instructor feels that
next year I will be good enough to try out for a chair in
the band.” For a brief moment he felt pity for the
dream which would never be realized.
“Will you walk with me awhile?” he asked, beginning to
move away from her.
“Well, I really shouldn’t.” she answered already
beginning to follow. “We’ve only just met and I don’t
know anything about you.”
“I understand.” he replied simply. “I wouldn’t want you
to do something you aren’t comfortable with.” She fell
into step beside him. “We won’t go very far.” he
finished. He asked occasional questions to fuel her
chatter as they walked along the water’s edge, moving
further and further away from the bustling activity of
the village.
“It’s really quite dark out here.” she had finally noticed.
“Yes.” he agreed. “But see how much clearer you can
see all the stars.” He steered her gaze to the heavens
above. They had almost reached the spot he had
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