This was my entry into week 17 of Leah Patersen‘s “5 Minute Fiction” Challenge. I made it into the voting round again, which was a kick, and didn’t mind coming in last. All the entries were great! The prompt word for the competition was “musical”. As last time, my entry is only slightly erotic; more flirty, or insinuous (yes, I think that should be a word).
Addendum – I did some edits in June ’11 after posting it to the ERWA story list and gettine excellent feedback. It’s now not strictly 5 minute fiction (though you can still see the original form at the challenge page above).
–M
“Do you come to the opera often?” she asked me. Her lips were a beautiful burgundy red.
“Whenever I can,” I replied
“Have you heard the new Tenor? I’ve read he’s absolutely fabulous.”
“I can’t say I have, no, but I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
“And tell me, do you know-” She turned her head to her program and I couldn’t see what she was saying.
“I’m sorry? I didn’t catch that. You turned away.”
She looked up and quirked a smile at me, “You deaf or something?”
“Well, yes, actually, I am, but I can read lips quite well.”
I think I shocked her a little.
“And you like opera?”
“And musicals, yes.”
“But why? You can’t hear them!”
“I… watch them. I watch them singing. You can see the passion of their words – the good ones. And I’ve read the Tenor is very good…” I smiled.
She shook her head in disbelief, and then narrowed her eyes.
“So, you can see passion?
“Yes; in the eyes, the mouth, the way they hold their bodies…”
She looked at me, then enunciated with exacting movements:
“…Buy me a drink after the show?”
“Maybe. Ah, the curtain is rising… Shhh.”
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This is a really intriguing premise. Love it!
I like it, Raziel. I haven’t read the others, so I’ve no way to compare. You really have a gift for the short forms.
I think this is terrific. You are talented at getting across a mood and capturing interest in few words.
Thanks! 5 minutes doesn’t give me many words.