Ralph and the Pixie

Taking a deep breath, steeling herself, afraid but heedless of the consequences, she said, trying unsuccessfully to keep her voice steady, ‘I love you, Ralph,’ she almost choked on the lie. Or was is a lie? ‘I am yours. If you refuse me, I shall kill myself.’ Was it him she wanted? Or was it instead an overpowering urge to be removed from the cheerless sphere of her parents? Why was she unable to tell the difference?

For the longest moment, Ralph found that his mind was blank; that he could only answer her with silence.

‘Say you will marry me,’ she persisted, pressing herself to him, sensing how close he was to giving in. ‘Please! At least tell that me you love me.’

She began nuzzling him, when a familiar sound came to the rescue; that of Doc clearing his throat.

‘Excuse me, young lady. I need to have a word with Ralph here. Alone.’

She drew away reluctantly, crimson, but determined.

‘I shall tell my parents-’

‘Nevana! You and I both know that would not be a good idea,’ he told her.

Almost in tears, not looking at either of them, she left, first walking, then breaking into a run as her self-mastery failed altogether.