November 16, 2016: Del Rio News-Herald * OPINION * Letter to the Editor * Masquerade memory
Masquerade Memory
The annual Riverville Masquerade Ball at the Centro Civico was held on the Saturday before Halloween so the parents could enjoy their treat before their kids enjoyed their treats.
It was a formal attire event, costumes were optional, but masks were mandatory. If the guest’s costume did not include a mask, then a small mask covering was gratuitously provided.
It was a most elegant affair with the Big Band Orchestra coming all the way from Saint Anthony, playing a wide variety of dance tunes from Ballroom and Boleros to Country and Cumbias and everything in-between to please everyone’s particular dance tastes.
Francisco and Fatima had both won free tickets to the Masquerade Ball and were sitting at the VIP table that was providing complimentary champagne and hors d'oeuvres throughout the night.
Francisco quickly identified Fatima as Victoria from the musical “Cats” and she was amazed he was familiar with the cast from “Cats”.
And of course Fatima knew that he was undeniably Erik from “The Phantom of the Opera”.
Throughout the night they referred to each other by their costumed character’s name.
“Victoria, would you like to dance,” Francisco offered and Fatima responded, “Yes, Erik, I would love to dance.”
Their love of musical theater was obvious, which they discussed at length.
The Masquerade Ball came to an end and Erik and Victoria parted and went their separate ways.
It was a wonderful memory for both of them; “now all alone in the moonlight, another night is over, another day is dawning, endless masquerading, all alone with the memory.”
Every night before Halloween they played their favorite songs. Francisco would play and sing “Memory” from “Cats” and Fatima would play and sing “Masquerade” from “The Phantom of the Opera”.
Forever remembering, “Masquerade! Take your fill, let the spectacle astound you!”
Fifty years had passed, now these songs drifted along the hallway of Memory Lane Assisted Living.
Francisco and Fatima both walked out of their rooms and what did they see but Erik and Victoria come to life and meet once again.
Marian Casillas, Ed.D.
Del Rio