Chapter 14 - THE QUESTION UNDER THE MARIGOLD LIGHTS
Elliot proposed in the empty theater.
It was late.
The audience had gone home.
The lights were dim.
Norah was collecting programs from the seats.
Elliot stood on the stage.
“Norah?”
She looked up.
“Yes?”
“Would you come here?”
She smiled.
“Did you find another problem with the acoustics?”
“No.”
She climbed the steps.
Elliot looked nervous.
His hands moved slightly at his sides.
Norah waited.
He took a breath.
“When we met, I thought I was invisible.”
Her expression softened.
“You weren't.”
“I know that now.”
He looked at her.
“You never asked me to become someone else.”
Norah's eyes filled.
“You never needed to.”
Elliot smiled.
“Would you like to marry me?”
He opened a small box.
Inside was a simple ring.
Norah covered her mouth.
“Yes.”
Elliot blinked.
“Yes?”
She laughed through tears.
“Yes, Elliot.”
He smiled.
Then asked:
“May I hug you?”
Norah stepped into his arms.
“Please.”
May you like
They held each other beneath the theater lights.
And the room that had once been abandoned became the place where two people promised to build a future together.
