Before Midnight, After Five Days

Chapter 1: Last Name

The first thing she noticed about him was that he looked uncomfortable in his mask.

It was black, edged with silver, and slightly too small for his face. Every few minutes, he pushed it higher on his nose, only for it to slide down again.

“You’re losing a fight with your own disguise,” she said.

The stranger turned toward her. For half a second, he looked surprised. Then he laughed.

“I was promised mystery and elegance,” he replied. “Nobody mentioned the elastic cutting into my ears.”

Around them, the ballroom shimmered beneath strings of golden lights. People in elaborate masks moved across the polished floor while a small band played near the stage. Some guests wore feathers and jewels. Others had arrived in simple masks bought at the last minute.

She had almost stayed home that evening.

New Year’s Eve had never been her favorite celebration. There was too much pressure to have the perfect night and begin the coming year as a happier, braver version of yourself. She had planned to welcome January quietly, perhaps with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.

Her friends had refused to allow it.

Now she stood in a crowded ballroom wearing a deep-blue dress and a delicate silver mask, talking to a man whose name she did not know.