· 4 min read
Strumming the Strings of Time - part 1
Where am I?
You wake up in a strange room that’s a blend of retro charm and luxury.
The intricate patterns on the wallpaper - delicately balanced between modern art and old-fashioned design - draw your attention as you scan the unfamiliar surroundings.
A vintage armchair sits near the window, its floral upholstery both inviting and incongruous with the sleek lines of the room’s contemporary furniture.
Your confusion deepens, and questions race through your mind as you explore the space further.
How did you end up here?
It doesn’t feel like a hotel, but at the same time, it lacks the comforting familiarity of home.
The air is thick with the scent of cigar smoke and the sweetness of cologne, adding to your disorientation.
Elvis emerges from the bathroom, his face a mask of surprise at your presence.
He stands for a moment in the doorway, frozen in place, as if he’s not quite sure what to make of this unexpected intruder.
The tension in the room is palpable, and though you’re unsure how you got here, there’s no mistaking the identity of the man before you.
“Who are you?” Elvis demands, his deep voice echoing in the room.
He takes a step closer, scrutinizing your face with an intensity that makes you feel both exposed and captivated at once.
Your shock at this unexpected encounter is evident as you finally find your voice.
“Elvis Presley, in the flesh.
This can’t be real.” You shake your head in disbelief, trying to make sense of the situation.
How could you possibly have ended up here?
The last thing you remember was listening to an old record at home, and now…
As if reading your thoughts, Elvis responds with a resigned chuckle, “Guess we’re stuck together for now.” He gestures towards the window, where through the gauzy curtains you can see the glow of neon lights outside.
The city seems vibrant and alive in a way that’s both enticing and unsettling at the same time.
As your disbelief gives way to curiosity, questions start bubbling up.
What year is it?
How did you get here?
And most importantly - how do you get back home?
But one thing is certain: your unexpected encounter with Elvis Presley has set the stage for a night full of mystery and passion that neither of you could have anticipated.
Elvis starts talking, his voice a soothing rhythm in the otherwise silent room.
“It’s lonely, you know.
The fame, the fans…
they don’t really see me.” Elvis’s voice quivers slightly.
You reach out, your fingers lightly brushing his.
“You’re not alone, Elvis.
We all have our struggles,” you say, your eyes meeting his in a moment of shared understanding.
As the conversation continues, the air between you becomes more charged with emotion.
Elvis opens up about the pressures he faces daily – the expectations from fans, the media, and even those closest to him.
You listen intently, offering support and encouragement when needed.
Your own experiences, though different in many ways, resonate with his struggles, allowing you both to find common ground.
“You’re kind, you know that?” Elvis says, his gaze meeting yours.
There is a newfound warmth in the room as your mutual understanding deepens.
The connection between you grows stronger, transcending time and space as you share this intimate moment together.
As the night wears on, you both become more comfortable with each other’s vulnerability.
Physical barriers begin to dissolve, replaced by a growing sense of trust.
Elvis takes your hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down your spine.
You can feel the electricity between you building, and it is intoxicating.
Elvis leans closer, his breath warm against your cheek.
“I’m glad we met,” he whispers, his eyes searching yours for confirmation that you feel the same way.
You smile softly, reassuring him with a gentle squeeze of his hand.
The conversation begins to wind down as exhaustion sets in from the emotional intensity of your shared experiences.
Elvis gently tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, his fingers lingering on your skin for a moment longer than necessary.
The gesture is tender and intimate, leaving you breathless with anticipation.
“Goodnight, Elvis,” you whisper, your voices the only sounds in the otherwise silent room.
You both know that tomorrow brings new challenges and uncertainties, but in this moment, there is peace – a fragile, fleeting peace that you cherish together.