Toonoisy presents the short story "Her world"

Her world

"Who's there?" She looked up and squinted at the empty doorway. Had she really heard that noise, that soft cough, or had she imagined that too? Her eyes relaxes a bit more and examines the air between her and the open door: Nothing is out of place nor to be heard. It must've been in her head – again. She closes her eyes and lets her imagination drift, not admitting she was a tad disappointed.

Behind her eyelids she returns to her world, a world where the rules are her own and noone questions her decisions. She looks across the imaginary room and sees a man with short hair and a sweet smile looking at her expentantly. He is wearing suit pants, a shirt with rolled up sleeves and a tie which has been loosened and swings effortlessly as he walks with ease up to her.

Hi there, she says as he approaches her chair.

Well hello there, ma'am, he answers as he grabs her hand and kisses it softly. Fancy meeting you here.

A faint smile crosses her lips as she lets him graciously help her out of the chair and the room changes to a ballroom.

Would you like to dance? he whispers.

Always, she whispers back.

As the room fills with faceless people in gowns and tuxes, she opens her eyes into real life and glances to the still empty doorway. She finds another pillow to support her back, dims the light and checks that all the curtains are covering the windows before turning on some soft music and returning to her leather couch. She sits down, puts her feet up and places a blanket over her to keep her warm and re-enters the ballroom and her imaginary date.

You look beautiful tonight, my dear, he whispers. As you always do.

She smiles in return. I've missed you.

He places his hand around her waist and draws her closer. I've missed you too.