“I don’t dance.”
It was the first time in years I had been invited to a party. A friend insisted that I come celebrate.
“Come on, just one dance. You might even have fun!” She said, knowing I hate dancing.
I didn’t dance. I never did. The idea of moving in sync while people watched and quietly judged me, made me self-conscious to say the least.
My friend wouldn’t let me off the hook, “Just one song.” she pressed me.
As music played, the crowd swallowed me. I stayed put, but then I saw him. A man who wasn’t dancing either, just standing by the snacks looking lost.
Without words, we locked eyes, we had found each other through an unspoken understanding.
A song slowed, and he extended his hand to me. I hesitated for a moment, until I saw the piece of celery in his hand.
“Care for a dip?” he asked.
Written By Angela Fedele
Field notes: Original Quote Prompt, "I Don't Dance"
by Cartoonist and Illustrator Josh Mecouch
📚 Age Category & Audience
New Adult / Adult – The social awkwardness, self-consciousness, and first steps toward connection resonate strongly with late teens to adults navigating social or romantic situations. The humor and subtle romance also appeal to an older teen/adult audience.
🎭 Genre & Subgenres
Primary Genre: Contemporary Romance / Literary Fiction
Subgenres: Micro-romance, slice-of-life, humor, vignette.
It’s character-driven, with a single small moment capturing connection, humor, and human vulnerability.
🔢 Word Count Estimate
Roughly 200–250 words – fits flash fiction / micro-story format.
🏷 Library/Bookstore Shelf Placement
Romance → Contemporary / Short Story Anthology
Could also fit in literary flash fiction collections or humorous slice-of-life anthologies.
Its placement leans toward light, charming, and character-centered stories, rather than plot-heavy fiction.
✍️ Submission Strategy
Perfect for flash fiction journals or micro-fiction anthologies, such as:
SmokeLong Quarterly (flash fiction)
Flash Fiction Online
Tiny Seed Journal (short, character-driven, humorous)
Romance anthologies that welcome short vignettes with humor and charm.
Could also be part of a themed collection: awkward moments, first connections, or social humor.
📖 Collection Fit
Complements a collection exploring human connection, awkward social moments, humor, and tiny victories.
Tone: playful, witty, warm, lighthearted.
Works alongside stories like Turned Onto Beginnings in a collection of personal growth and small, poignant life moments.
🎯 Market Positioning
Likely readers: adults and new adults who enjoy humorous, relatable, slice-of-life romance, fans of micro-fiction, or those who appreciate short, charming vignettes about human connection.
Humor, brevity, and relatability make it appealing to readers who want quick, feel-good stories.
🏁 Final Genre Classification
Contemporary Romance / Literary Flash Fiction / Humor