Prom Night Promises

Ralph tried to be patient as he waited in line at the Macy’s register.

The cashier raised an eyebrow as he deposited the pink taffeta dress and the peep-toe pumps on the counter.

After he paid the forty dollars and she handed him his receipt, he hurried out of the department store.

Once he arrived at his destination he took the elevator to the fourth floor where he received another quizzical look from the receptionist.

“Which patient are you here to see?” she asked.

“Eileen Parker.”

“Room 407.”

Ralph made his way down the hall. He stopped at the open door and peered inside. There she was, her nose buried in a book as usual.

He tapped his knuckles against the door frame. Eileen's chin lifted and her eyes widened. “Ralph!” she exclaimed incredulously.

“Hi there, Eileen.”

“What are you doing here?”

“What? Don’t tell me you forgot! We have a date! It’s prom night!” Ralph said playfully.

“But I thought you shipped out this morning!”

“I secured a later transit. There was no way I could miss this.”

Eileen’s grin faltered a bit. “You know I can’t go. I’ve got another treatment in the morning.”

“Who said anything about leaving. We’re having prom right here.”

After a teary nurse helped Eileen get dressed they turned on the radio and danced to “Blue Champagne”.

“Promise me you’ll be here when I get back,” Ralph whispered.

“I will if you promise me you’ll come back.”

“I promise.”

“I promise too.”

Author's Note: This was written for the first round of the 2024 NYC Midnight 250 Word Microfiction Challenge. My assignment included the following: Genre - Romance, Action - Buying clothing, Word - Patient