🌙 A Kiss To Moonlight
Written in 2000, re-written with Copilot
I. The Book That Began It All
It was Valentine’s Day. Love lingered in the air. Charles had gone to rent a book—Love Story by Erich Segal. Just one copy remained. Before he could reach it, a young woman placed her hand on it.
“Do you mind if I have it?” she asked, smiling apologetically.
“Sure, you can,” he replied, though he wished he had it.
“Can you inform me once you finish reading it? I’ll collect it right away.”
“Sure. Can I have your mobile number?” she asked.
“9846854122. My name is Charles.”
“Nancy. Nice meeting you.”
II. The First Call
The next day, his phone rang.
“Is it Charles?”
“Yes, speaking.”
“This is Nancy. I’ve finished the book. I’ll return it this evening.”
“What time?”
“Around five.”
Charles met her at the library. He felt drawn to her—beautiful, thoughtful, and with the same taste in books.
He took a risk.
“Can I have your phone number, if you don’t mind?”
“Oh sure. 9153145877.”
He scribbled it on a note from his wallet. Later, he realized he’d lost it. He rushed to the grocery shop where he’d used the note.
“I gave you a note with an important number. Can I have it back?”
“It may have changed hands. Sorry.”
Charles left disappointed. He scolded himself for being careless.
III. The Date
Suddenly, his mobile rang again.
“Is it Charles?”
“Yes.”
“I want to ask you out. Do you mind?”
“I was going to ask the same. But I lost your number.”
“Let’s meet at A La Planche. 7 PM sharp.”
“Sure.”
IV. Candlelight and Connection
The candlelight cast golden rays. Their eyes locked, speaking more than words could. They dined together.
“What made you think I’d say yes?”
“You’re single, have eyes that understand love, a heart that loves romance.”
“Oh really?” Charles smiled.
“What are you doing?”
“Major in electronics. But now doing my bachelors in romance.”
“So cute. I’m doing journalism.”
They talked until the manager reminded them the restaurant was closing.
V. The Season of Love
Spring arrived. Nature bloomed. Love was everywhere. Charles and Nancy met often, though studies kept them apart.
“I can’t go a day without talking to you.”
“Then look at the moon and remember my face. You’ll hear me speak to your heart.”
“I’ll kiss you goodnight too.”
“So how should this set forth?”
“What?”
“Our love story.”
“Providence can only tell.”
VI. The Twist
They married. A fairy tale ending. Their wedding photo hung on the wall.
Five months later, Nancy hadn’t returned from college. Charles felt uneasy. Then came the call.
“Your wife is critical. A gas tanker collided with her car.”