I wish for a friend who will love me.

Oh hear my wish my hazel tree

Shake and quiver little tree

Oh hear my wish my hazel tree

Throw gold and silver down to me

Make me a lady fair to see

Dress me as splendid as can be

Oh hear my wish my hazel tree!

Her voice was clear and lovely to hear.

“That was beautiful!” I said.

“It is a lullaby.”

“I’ve never heard that one before?”

“My mother would sing it to me when I was afraid.”

We resumed our dance, neither of us talking. Her song echoed in my head and I never wanted to let it go.

“Will you not tell me more about yourself?” I asked her, finally breaking our silence.

“Why would you wish to know about disappointment?” she said softly.

I frowned as I looked into her eyes.

“You would not want to know about me!” she whispered.

“But who are you? Where do you live? What is you name?” I blurted, the questions had come exploding out of my mouth before I could stop them. I chastised myself for my discomposure.

My partner smiled shyly. We did another twirl, I swung her around to the left and then drew her in close and we stopped once more.

“Is it not better to dance as strangers?” she whispered softly.

“Why?” I asked quietly.

“All you see in me is a pretty girl; do not make the mistake of wanting to know me better.”

I took a step back from her, my arms dangling uselessly at my sides. I knew my face betrayed me, I knew it showed an expression of shock and uncertainty.

She lowered her eyes, “do you not think that we are better as we are?”

“Strangers?” I asked a little coldly.

Her eyes shot up and she cried “oh, if only you knew!” And then with a little more composure, “you would not be so quick to like me!”

“Let me judge that for myself!” I replied sternly. “But I cannot do so if you do not tell me who you are?”