"Dance with me?"

With my eyes closed, I picture the lady's face, the way she offers her hand with the other arm behind her back while already knowing my answer.

"Five more minutes," I reply.

There's a sigh, then a squeak as she draws up a chair next to me on the patio. For a moment, only the chirping of crickets and the lively music wafting through the open windows of the house can be heard. Inside, chatter rises and falls like the tides of a sea, punctuated by the occasional laugh. It's oddly reminiscent. A life by the sea would suit me, I think, though I'm not sure how or why.

...

The full version of this edited and published short story can be found in the September Issue of the Invincible Quill Magazine. You'll also find other wonderful works by the rest of the writing team, as well as the beautiful designs of our graphic designers. Read it here! (link is in the in-line comment) -->