Pairs

Duplet electron configuration

He opened his letter box, and read the handwritten invitation.

I am pleased to invite you to a New Moon Ball at my residence. Dinner shall commence at eight in the evening. BYO.

-Ms Elise

Jack smiled, at least to himself. He has commenced his tutelage under the barber-surgeon Mr Denver, a month earlier than the other apprentices. "Ms Elise's other guests must still be enjoying summer holidays," he thought. Nevertheless, it's a brilliant opportunity to meet these other people, not to mention cooling off after a day's work.

The ball went well -- very well.

On his way home, Jack walked alone, pondering about the evening's experience.

Pairs. That thought surfaced in his mind. He was a single man, and he thought that there were a number of attractive young girls at the ball. But they were not all single.

One of the girls recently got together with a handsome young man. Not married, but a start to that end. Another one got together with an articulate gentleman. Maybe it's by his wonderful words that she fell for him. Because the year before, a different girl fell for him. Or so Jack thought. Another girl - one he found very beautiful - also had her man, who happened to be Jack's friend. It was certainly a mixture of feelings. Disappointment, certainly - because he now could not be for this girl what he earlier could have. But he allowed only his happy side to show through his facial expression. Ms Elise herself was in the arms of her lover. Looks like the single people are gradually becoming outnumbered.

These thoughts whirled in his head as he walked past the streets and lanes that led to his home that night. He knew he had his apprenticeship to complete, and it demands unwavering focus from him. Still he knew that lonely times make him vulnerable to feelings - and he could foresee that there will be many such moments.

A silent song started to play in his mind:

When no-one cares

For your dear self

The soul, it bares

No more defense

Tears

Cries

Sobs

*Sighs*

Oh don't you yearn

For something deep?

It pulls the guts

It's authentic

Big question is

Is it time now?

For it is said:

I charge you all

Don't awaken love

Until it pleases

Picture credit: farm1.static.flickr.com (Artist: Kagaya)