the past month of september had been wearying for reenie and tonight was not an exception. days went by without a spark, like a foggy dream and the constant chatter of classmates, professors, maids; they all saying things reenie cares not about. there was only one thing in reenie’s mind these days, and this was her love. selfishly, childishly and insanely thinking about her love. because love is in her mind, tonight is as tough as other nights, and she can feel it all becoming tougher as days pass (she’s afraid her little heart might not be able to take it). only god knows how long her love will be gone, or if he’ll come back, for that matter.
there’s only a couple minutes left for the witching hour when raimunda knocks on reenie’s bedroom door. reenie is taken aback by this, as it is very late and she basked in the thought of being the only one awake at home at such an hour. suddenly, she becomes preoccupied with the thought of something bad having happened; what if a relative had an accident or fell ill? upon these series of preoccupations, reenie rushes towards the door and opens it. “what is it, raimunda?” the young girl cares not for hiding the worrisome look plastered on her factions; raimunda notices this and soothes her soul by stating no unfortunate event has occurred, all is well and that “there’s a gentleman waiting for you at the hall.” again tonight, reenie is abashed. by the way raimunda said ‘gentleman,’ reenie infers it is not her father paying a surprise visit to her; but, then, who is it? the bewilderment in her expression lets raimunda know she won’t take one step further until she knows who this gentleman is. the old lady makes a smile and claims “who else could dare stop by at such an hour but him? be not afraid, meine Dame.”
did the world stop for her? for them? reenie feels as though it did and without wasting time on another word, she leaves raimunda behind and walks directly towards the hall, slowing down once she reaches it and sees him, standing there, for a moment oblivious of her quiet presence.
young reenie believes she’s in a dream. what are the chances he’s come visit her, at the hour of the devil, without having informed her beforehand? the only explanation possible is that she’s dreaming a very vivid dream, which is a reflection of her latest reveries. “is this real, or am i taking part in a very fantastically detailed dream?” the dim light of the hall illuminates just the right facial expressions of him, she can even bask in the scent of the cologne or perfume he’s using. she’s not sure she’s dreamt of scents before, sure thing this is new and interesting. is it real?
