The clock struck 6:30 with resonance. The dressed masses surged forward into the warm, open doors of the hall. Their excitement rose into a fever pitch as they sought for their tables. The glitter from the ladies' elegant dresses sparkled from the crystal chandeliers inside. The gentlemen were distinguishable only from their expensive, shining corsages. The night sky was very young; the sun barely sunk in the horizon, and a few stray clouds dotted the sky. Cheerfulness dotted the chilly atmosphere; the cold gusts scarcely blew. I remained, unmoving as the people rushed in to avoid the low temperature. The height of the tree I sat on provided me with vision and hid me from their view. I arched my leg over the other straight one, and watched the dance unfold. Through the crowd, I had spotted one person; her white dress had caught my eye as she laughed with her friends.

The crowd separated, and smaller groups conjoined at their respective tables. The heater must have been working; the men shrugged off their jackets and the ladies their shawls. The females were presented with corsages, which the males had assisted with wearing. I took out a flower from my left breast pocket, and my eyes drooped sadly. A menu sat in front of each chair; taking their seats, everyone discussed and joked about their dinner. The night waxed as they ate; the cold chilled me through my formalwear, but I paid no heed to it. I simply sat there, watching, wishing, waiting.

After their meal, everyone again grew excited; the doors to the courtyard opened. The moon had completely developed, and its light streamed down to create a serene scene. Fireflies added peaceful green and yellow glows, and Christmas lights bordered the square area. Dance pairs prepared themselves a spot amongst the crowd. Musicians stood along both sides of the yard; one band stood right below my tree. The violins started a slow song; the piano provided upbeats. My heart ached at the sound and the sight, but I was powerless. Colors danced around the yard; burgundy, olive, magenta. Dresses twirled in elegant dance moves as the men led their partners.

The first dance ended, and pairs dispersed. Groups laughed and played with their respective dates. I noticed that she was nowhere to be found. I sighed, not because of hunger or the cold, but because I was alone. Every fiber of my body had yearned to be one among the crowd. But I could not. I made a promise. I looked toward the full moon as the dance continued in its fashion as the night waned. Its light was my only company.

Little did I know that someone was inside the hall, across the yard. She sat on the sill of the window, the hem of her white dress dragging on the floor. She stared at the moon as well, wishing for her date to share the night with her.

And we both passed the night, alone and away, watching the heavens.