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The Church Dance

September 12, 2023 20 Comments

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Rose watched her friends dancing to the new rock ’n’ roll music. She spotted Alfred but didn’t dare get up. Her mother watched her, watching him.

At intermission, Mother said, “C’mon, Rose, we’re leaving,” and left to fetch the car.

Alfred approached. “Leaving so soon, Rose?”

“Yes.”

“May I call you?”

“We don’t have a phone.”

***

Rose sat in the backseat while Mother drove. “Who was that boy?”

“No one.”

“Don’t forget, you’re working the store this summer. No distractions.”

“Yes, Mother.” Rose held a napkin open, careful not to fold it. Written on it, in red lipstick, was Alfred’s number.

By Charles Gray

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deanna Salser says

    September 12, 2023 at 8:47 am

    Ah, first love…

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:03 pm

      Yes indeed, thank you Deanna.

      Reply
  2. Rudolph Ferro says

    September 12, 2023 at 7:17 pm

    Ah! Love conquers all, no matter what….beautiful little anecdote. Keep them coming, Charles.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:05 pm

      Yes, it does. Thank you, Rudolph, for the comment.

      Reply
  3. David says

    September 13, 2023 at 3:18 am

    I like to think that was the start of a lifelong partnership for Rose and Alfred.

    Reply
    • David Higham says

      September 13, 2023 at 7:46 am

      Sweet.

      Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:05 pm

      It actually was. Thank you, David, for the comment.

      Reply
  4. Bruno T. says

    September 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm

    Impressive storytelling in such a concise text! The subtle tension between Rose and her mother, juxtaposed with the budding romance, is beautifully captured.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:06 pm

      Thank you, Bruno, for the kind words.

      Reply
  5. Ekta R. Garg says

    September 13, 2023 at 5:33 pm

    Good for Rose! I hope she and Alfred have a happy ending. :>

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:07 pm

      Yes, they did. Thank you Ekta for the comment.

      Reply
  6. Marie says

    September 13, 2023 at 10:00 pm

    Nice!

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:09 pm

      Thank you, Marie, for the comment.

      Reply
  7. Kelly Louisa Balliu says

    September 15, 2023 at 5:00 am

    Nice work, Rose 🙂

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:09 pm

      Thank you, Kelly.

      Reply
  8. Bud says

    September 15, 2023 at 2:05 pm

    Very nostalgic and well written. Regardless of the technology, it strikes a chord by invoking the near-universal awkwardness of our teen years.

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you for the comment, Bud.

      Reply
  9. Pamela Cartlidge says

    September 16, 2023 at 1:37 pm

    Good for Rose!

    Reply
    • Charles Gray says

      September 18, 2023 at 2:11 pm

      Thank you for the comment, Pamela.

      Reply
  10. Sandra L. Todd says

    October 1, 2023 at 7:10 pm

    Oh, the memories! Thanks!

    Reply

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