Until the Sun Sets

By Nickie

I handed the receptionist a black fountain pen debossed with the outline of
a gold nerine flower. He adjusted his glasses to take a closer look and glanced
up at me as if he was scanning for a missing flaw. When he saw that I also had
an invitation, he handed the pen back to me and ushered me towards a large
door behind the counter with a polite bow. An unorthodox way to accept guests, I
thought. I pushed it open.
Immediately, I was deluged with a flood of laughter, music, and
clinks of champagne glasses, complemented with lots of ‘welcome’ and
‘nice to see you again’ by many friendly acquaintances, startling me a little.
According to their gazes, whispers, and a few straightforward compliments,
my gown lived up to their expectations. The women asked about the white
bundles of tulips that were stitched at the hem, and enjoyed touching the soft
blue mesh sleeves that kept my arms warm. A tingly burst of pleasure and
pride sprouted inside of me, partly saved for one person in particular.
I stepped inside a large circular room, bathed in the warmest light.
At its centre, an elaborate gold chandelier glimmered overhead, casting a
spider-like shadow along the walls. Violet velvet curtains draped the window
so that only a few strips of moonlight could seep through. I marvelled at
the flowers that flourished in every corner of the room, blooming in glass
vases or twisting around towering quartz pillars in a kaleidoscope of colours.
Women wore their finest ball gowns with blossoms or petals of their choice
laced together at the hem. Satin black tuxedos balanced t