Though the roar of the party still echoed in his ears, it was as if the world had fallen silent in an instant, as if time itself had stopped in its tracks. And then she appeared, a vision of grace and beauty that made the other partygoers seem dull and insignificant. With his heart racing, he made his way towards her, his eyes never leaving hers. When he reached her, she smiled at him, a warm and inviting smile that felt like a warm embrace. "Hello," he said, his voice above a whisper.