Rose was quite exhausted from the dance. Who would have thought such dancing would tire one out?

Nevertheless it did, and Rose stood by the wall with her third glass of wine, and a small smile across her face. It was truly liberating to be at this masquerade. For the first time in her life she felt like a new woman. She felt like she was actually starting a new life, an intention she had after leaving her home.

Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath--a steady rise and fall. She could hear her heart beat twice as fast, and twice as loud, that she feared others could hear. Her face felt like it burned, like steam was rising from her cheeks and her vision began to be a little distorted.

Rose could only guess that this was caused from the wine. And in this state, she found that she was able to block the pain, to put it behind her.

Even if I am getting drunk, Rose thought, I won't stop drinking. I don't want to recall the hurt. I want to feel happy like this forever.

She slowly took a sip and let the cool liquid flow down her throat.