You step onto the balcony attached to the ballroom, pulling the heavy curtains closed behind you to signal solitude. Gripping the fabric for support, you let out a long, weary sigh—who would have thought that attending such a glamorous event could be so exhausting? As you turn away, your eyes drift to the moonlit garden below, the soft glow cast by the night sky. The muffled music from inside continues, a gentle hum that now seems almost tolerable in your solitude.

Leaning over the railing, you rest your body against it, pulling a tin of cigarettes from your pocket. You flick it open, revealing a slim, tempting line of cigarettes. You pick one out, slip it between your lips, and reach for your lighter, ready to ignite it—when suddenly, a splash of water interrupts the quiet. Your gaze snaps toward the fountain, where a woman in the distance throws off her shoes and lifts her dress, exposing her bare legs as she steps deeper into the shimmering water.

Your focus sharpens. You lean closer, cigarette held loosely in your mouth, eyes glued to her graceful movements. She bends down to retrieve something from the water—an object that catches the moonlight as she raises it, studying it intently. Amused, you chuckle softly, the cigarette dangling from your lips as you consider calling out to her—yet before your voice can carry, a flustered maid rushes in, pulling her away from the fountain and frantically fussing over her, trying to groom her and steer her back to safety.

The woman, her black hair shimmering, only laughs at the maid’s frantic gestures. As she's pulled away from view, you crush your cigarette underfoot, watching the darkened water for a moment longer before turning back inside. The grand ballroom welcomes you with its crowd of familiar faces, the conversations and forced smiles blending into a dull hum.

Then, out of the corner of your eye, you see her—she enters the room gracefully, effortlessly catching the rhythm of the music. Without hesitation, you excuse yourself from the crowd, approach her, and extend your hand with a charming smile. "May I have this dance?" you say softly, eager to break the night’s silence with her touch.