Dancing under the moonlight: a night of revelry and regret: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Immerse yourself in a pulsating world of vibrant lights, energetic music, and the intricate dance of fate as depicted in the captivating narrative "The Strobe Light's Secret." Follow Henry, a seemingly carefree soul, as he navigates the chaotic yet enticing world of a nightclub, where the beams of the strobe light sync with the rhythm of his restless heart. Unfamiliar with the frenzy, one might find themselves dizzy, but for Henry, it's a home he knows too well.

Witness his graceful movements among the crowd, carefully balancing cocktails in each hand, as he searches for the elusive Juno, only to have fate play a different card. Amidst the chaos, an unexpected encounter with Indy, an old classmate, sparks a whirlwind of emotions and revelations, sending Henry on a journey of introspection and self-discovery. As they venture outside to escape the deafening music, secrets unravel, unveiling a world beyond the surface of the pulsating dance floor.

Explore a town where dichotomies thrive, where mornings witness solemn funerals and evenings ignite with unbridled revelry. Dive into the rich tapestry of human connections, where ambitions clash, and the search for identity intertwines with the need for acceptance. Experience the power play between aspirations and familial expectations, as Henry's carefully woven facade begins to unravel in the face of truth and vulnerability.

Journey with Henry as he grapples with the complexity of his roots and ambitions, amidst the backdrop of a youth center that holds more than just flashy events and gaudy drinks. Follow his highs and lows, his moments of pride and humiliation, as he grapples with the fine line between egoism and self-preservation.

"The Strobe Light's Secret" is not merely a story but a rollercoaster of emotions, an exploration of human complexities, and a tale that encapsulates the raw essence of self-discovery amidst the pulsating lights of a nightclub, where every beat echoes the rhythm of a restless heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223415930

Book preview

Table of Contents

Dancing under the moonlight: a night of revelry and regret (contos, #1)

The strobe light beam pulsated to the rhythm of the energetic music composition, illuminating

the twisting bodies.

Unaccustomed to such a vibrant atmosphere, one could feel dizzy, but Henry felt right at

home.

He skillfully maneuvered among the dancers, careful not to spill the cocktail glasses.

On one hand, he held a screwdriver with gin, and in the other, a mimosa for Juno.

However, while he went to the bar for drinks, the girl disappeared.

Searching for her in this frenzy was futile, so Henry began to slowly savor his drinks

while moving to the beat of the music.

When the first glass was half empty, two feminine hands wrapped around his neck from behind,

and a familiar voice shouted right next to his ear.

Are you waiting for me?

The guy turned abruptly and pressed the girl, who decided to place such a careless prank

on him, against the wall.

At that moment, the furious LED beams fell on her face, and the guy recognized Indy.

He quickly released himself from the girl.

Hey, Indy, how did you end up here?

By chance.

Don't take offense, but I wouldn't recommend joking with me like that again.

Why?

It's dangerous.

I don't like it when someone attacks me from behind.

The reflex kicks in automatically.

Why is that?

Silly question.

It's a normal reaction for anyone.

The music was blasting, almost deafening.

Therefore, former classmates had to shout to communicate.

Henry looked around again, but Juno was nowhere to be found among the dancers or the group

of heavily intoxicated guys.

He silently handed the mimosa glass to Indy.

My treat.

Let's go outside.

The girl nodded in agreement.

She took a big sip of the vibrant drink through a straw.

Let's go, the music is pounding right into my brain.

Henry took his classmates hand and let her down the stairs.

The high heels prevented the girl from ascending the steps quickly, and she said,

Henry, don't pull me, I might fall and break my nose.

The guy slowed down a bit.

Sorry, I didn't think about it, he glanced at his companion sparkling shoes.

I don't understand how anyone can walk in these.

And for what purpose such sacrifices?

For you.

Every girl wants to be attractive.

Henry made a funny gesture.

Indy, I beg you.

Believe me, those hoof like things don't make you any more beautiful.

Young people comfortably settled in a corner near the cloakroom.

The party resembled a regular disco, but for the sake of propriety and accountability,

the organizers had announced a loud theme.

Similar events took place every month at the youth center, and to attract the audience,

drinks with flashy names were offered.

On other days, the entertainment center mostly stood empty in the evenings.

Only the local veterans choir gathered twice a week for rehearsals at the house of culture.

Therefore, the local wits like to make jokes about it, our town is special.

We have funerals in the morning and wild dancing in the evening.

But in commas, apart from the youth center, there were many other astonishing things that

shattered the familiar stereotypes.

One of such mass phenomena was the exodus of young people from the expanses of their

homeland.

People in their twenties came here in two cases, when they needed to replenish their

budget and when they wanted to have fun in the club.

Since the place where the paths of two classmates crossed spoke volumes, Henry looked at Indy

understandingly.

Missed your hometown?

You guessed it.

I also dropped by for a couple of days to settle some matters.

Are you still studying?

Indy sighed deliberately loudly.

Henry, I'm in free fall at the moment.

My mom got sick and I can't just leave her alone.

I'll try to find something here.

When she gets better, then maybe I can think about returning to civilization.

The young man waved his hand.

A hopeless endeavor.

You'll just waste your time.

Everyone dreams of making it in the big city and here you came to this hole.

Indy looked at him in surprise.

Henry, what's gotten into you?

What if it were your mother?

The guy deftly performed an acrobatic trick and sat down on the other side of the girl.

Sure, showing compassion will earn you brownie points.

But life isn't infinite.

You have to think about yourself.

I didn't think you were such a hardened egoist.

I never hid that.

But despite the fact that you almost insulted me, I can even help you.

Henry tried to hug the girl, but she slipped away.

And are you still acting so shamelessly?

The guy smirked.

Why hold back when the girls cling to me themselves?

So, how about some help?

Thanks, but I don't need intermediaries like you.

Other people have already helped me and they did it selflessly.

I'm getting a job at our Ayurvedni thought.

Henry jumped for joy and performed another acrobatic feat.

I knew it.

I could sense from a distance that someone like you, Indy, is destined for the partnership

of socks and mittens.

But you don't know the most important thing.

My mother runs this establishment under my grandmother's patronage.

To be more precise, this establishment or company, as it is commonly called these days,

is under the sole control of our family.

Henry was tired of the long speech and, without much ceremony, took a glass from Indy.

You