...'You said that you would dance with me if I brought you a red rose,' cried the Student.

Here is the
reddest rose in all the world. You will wear it to-night next your heart, and as we dance together it will
tell you how I love you.'

...

The girl’s face lit up with exhilaration. She jumped on her feet, overtaken by excitement, and ran to
the student. She braced her long, pale arms around his neck as she felt the Professor’s glare burning
into her back. All she desired was an educated gentleman, not some rich, conceited boy. She knew that
a carefully chosen, hand-picked red rose was far more meaningful than store-bought jewels.

“This will go well with my red, silk dress that the maids handcrafted just for this ball!” exclaimed the
girl.

“Are you out of your mind? I will not allow you to step foot near the ball with this hideous boy
dressed in, what may as well be, old clothing scraps from the dumpster! He cannot, and will not, be
seen with the daughter of the Professor. What will that do to my reputation?” ranted the Professor.

“I do not care. I shall go with the love of my life, with or without your support,” screamed the girl as
she ran to her room to get ready for the ball.

The Student stood there, astonished by the girl’s powerful speech that finally stood up to her father.
After a few moments of getting himself back together, he ran back to his home and put on his father’s
wedding suit, for it was the only suit he could find. It was old and worn-out, damaged by moths; the
breast pocket was hanging by a thread while the pants’ zipper was broken. Though, he did not care; all
that mattered was the love and passion burning between the girl and him.

At 8 o’clock that afternoon, he waited in front of the castle where the ball was to be held. As the girl
came down stairs, the dress’ long train gracefully glided behind her down the stairs, sparkling in the
moonlight. The Student stared at her, amazed by her beauty.

“Where is the Professor?” asked the Student, intimidated by him.

“Oh, his opinion was not appreciated, so I thought it was best for him to stay home and keep his
opinion to himself. ”explained the girl confidently.

The lovebirds happily strode to the ball as the tree swayed in the wind, thinking of how proud the
Nightingale’s spirit must be. Love truly overcame reputation.