Camille at Karaoke

Both Camille and Lea were in their late twenties or early thirties.
Camille was French and lived in Berlin. She moved there one year earlier.
When she felt lonely, she liked going to a small karaoke bar.
That evening, she entered alone and did not know anyone there.

That evening, the bar was especially crowded under its red lights.
Even so, Camille took a microphone and walked onto the small stage.
Her voice shook slightly as she read the screen and began an old French song.

A woman with dark, straight hair stood beside the stage.
She looked serious, but she also looked friendly.
During the whole song, she watched Camille with interest.

When Camille noticed the woman watching, she almost forgot the lyrics.
Suddenly, her heart began to beat faster.
She kept singing, but now the song felt different.
Camille felt excited because the woman was watching her.

When the song ended, the whole bar clapped.
The woman came over and stood near her.
“You have a beautiful voice,” she said.
Camille laughed much too loudly. She was surprised by how happy she felt.

There were two drinks on the table beside a red booth.
“I’m Lea,” the woman said. “And you?”
Camille’s face felt hot at once.
She said her name very quietly, while Lea stayed close.

Lea suggested a duet that they both knew.
They stood together in front of the screen with the lyrics, holding one microphone each.
When their shoulders touched for a moment, both women smiled.
Camille finally relaxed and sang with more confidence.

After the final chorus, Lea leaned towards Camille so Camille could hear her above the music.
“Would you like to step outside for a moment?” she asked.
Camille nodded immediately and picked up her black shoulder bag.