I wrote this a while ago, but I've been obsessing over it and have tweaked a few phrases, a few grammar points.ย I really like this one.ย It's a piece of flash fiction and there is no more to it.
Under the light of the full moon, the smoke wafting on the scant breeze looked blue. It swirled and twisted on the next breath of the woman leaning on the railing, cigarette held in her limp right hand. She took a long, slow drag before flicking the ashes, watching them fall the four stories to the ground.
The blue smoke spiraled upwards, fading into the luminescent glow of the moon.
Gently, the breeze rustled the leaves in the trees, caressing her face, fighting off the flush of one glass of wine too many. She lifted her hand to press the night-chilled digits against her cheek.
Silence, blessed silence surrounded her. It enveloped her in a blanket of cold and wind, smoke and pale light. She could ask for nothing more after such a hectic day and the effusive party of the night.
With a shattered heart and scattered thoughts, she closed her eyes and took one last drag from the cigarette then let it fall. The smoke drifted from her lips and the light of the moon glinted on one lone tear sliding down her cheek.
She wiped it away, squared her shoulders, and straightened her dress, smoothing it out, down her body. She could not change a thing now, so she did not need to spend any more time moping. She needed to put on a happy face for the bride; she could do nothing else.
A voice almost broke the soft smile she forced onto her face.
The smile wavered but did not fall as she turned around. She felt the moonlight on her back, the ephemeral paleness bolstering her resolve.
"Rick, why aren't you dancing with Emily?" She tilted her head to the side, acting for all intents and purposes the perfectly concerned Maid of Honor. He faltered for a second then gave her a weak smile before heading back through the veranda doors.
Bethany exhaled in a shudder then reached for another cigarette. She could lie to herself all she wanted, but she could not deny how much she still loved Rick.
Under the light of the full moon, above the flame of her lighter, the smoke looked blood red.
