Before Midnight, After Five Days

Her mask keeps slipping, and the stranger beside her admits his elastic is cutting into his ears. New Year's Eve, a borrowed disguise, a plan to stay home.

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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.

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Quick answers about Before Midnight, After Five Days

What is Before Midnight, After Five Days about?

Her mask keeps slipping, and the stranger beside her admits his elastic is cutting into his ears. New Year's Eve, a borrowed disguise, a plan to stay home.

Is Before Midnight, After Five Days free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.