Short Story

Slow Dancing

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for The Unicorn Challenge where we
are urged to get creative in 250 words or less. The
photo below is our inspiration and this is my story.

© Ayr/Gray

Jeremy chose a classic jazz album from his collection, placed it on the turntable, positioned the arm and waited for the smooth sounds to fill the dimly lit room.

He poured himself a scotch, neat, and stood watching the rain trickle down the living room window. When he caught a glimpse of her reflection, he turned slowly and smiled. Putting his glass down, he walked to where she was standing and slipped his arm around her waist.

Jeremy inhaled her fragrance – Lily Of The Valley – the only perfume she ever used. He pulled her close, his hand resting on the small of her back. She sighed, nuzzling deeper into his chest.

She’d worn her little black dress and heels, Jeremy in his crisp white shirt and dress slacks. Dinner by candlelight – a heady Malbec and take-out Chinese food – their favorite. There would be no talk of work; they spoke only about themselves, their plans, hopes and dreams. And there would always be dancing.

She turned in his arms, her back resting against his chest, and leaned her head back exposing her lovely neck. Her skin was soft as a petal.

They had promised each other they would always put their marriage first. It was easy; the important things were. They knew their priorities and made a practice of keeping their promises.

Jeremy’s eyes blinked open; the music had stopped playing but the pain of losing his wife never stopped. It was like this every night. God, how he missed her.

NAR©2025
250 Words

This is “My Funny Valentine” by Chet Baker

The Unicorn Challenge-07/02/25

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy ~ The Sicilian Storyteller, Nancy (The Sicilian Storyteller), The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, and The Rhythm Section and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

40 thoughts on “Slow Dancing”

    1. Brenda, I’m so sorry to hear about your friends losing their loves. Few things come close to that kind of loss.
      Music is very important to me and I try to select the perfect songs. The soulfulness of that lone trumpet was just right, I thought.
      I’m humbled to know my story brought a tear to your eye. Thank you for your most gracious comments.

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  3. Ouch! This was painful. I was getting so deeply into it, the black dress and heels, smell of perfume, the music, Chinese food and wine, and then to be hit with that at the end 😔 so so hard! Well done, capturing the essence of grief, Nancy! ✨🩶

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  6. Pingback: Slow Dancing – Los Angeles fire 🔥

    1. Someone coined my famous twists “The Sicilian Curveball” and it stuck; you’ll see in my header I refer to myself as a “curveballer” ….. that’s why.

      Violet, I’m so sorry to read about your love. There are few things that gut you like that. Thanks for giving me a read.

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  19. Oh my gosh. Poignantly sad yet beautiful. So sad this is his story.
    Losing something this amazing has got to be devastating any which way it happens. May he find comfort somehow. Thanks for sharing your lovely words. Sending blessings. And hugs.

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