Sing for Me

The Beginning

Sing for Me

The natural evolution of relationships often follows a path from strangers to friends and then to lovers. Is this not the innate human pull that draws two souls together? In essence, isn't that just the way of life?

I can't help but ponder if my life would have followed a different path had I never encountered him. If I hadn't accepted the role, if I hadn't crossed paths with him, perhaps my world would still be turning without a hitch. Would I still have a physical form and actual blood coursing through my veins?

I vaguely remember the sensation of bleeding, the pain that I never thought I'd miss. But in this twisted reality, I suppose even the most foreign experiences can become pleasant to look back on. It's disheartening that I can no longer recall the feeling of genuine happiness. I imagine it was something incredible, radiating warmth.

I gaze into the fractured mirror, gently blending the powder to cover the ink that masks my face. 'Ready in 5,' Conor announces from behind the curtain. 'Thank you,' I murmur, taking one more glance at the vestiges of my former self. My fingers press against my chest, feeling the soft thump of my heart — one of the few remaining remnants of the woman I once was.

I rise from my seat, the black shawl trailing behind me, its edges tattered and shredded. As I pass by Conor, I grab a glass of water and gulp it down. "You've got quite a substantial audience tonight," he notes. I force a smile, the mask I wear growing stronger. "Why wouldn't I? Even in this wasteland, I'm still the best singer this world has ever seen." A spotlight illuminates the stage in the back of the venue. I step into the light, beginning the performance.

~

217 YEARS AGO

The applause of the audience resonates through the venue. I raise my arms, basking in their appreciation, before blowing a kiss and striding off the stage to the waiting refreshments behind the curtains. "Honey, I have someone I want you to meet," Louis says. I roll my eyes, already anticipating what he has in mind. "I don't have time for this today," I reply.

He continues to grasp my elbow and leads me towards the dressing room. "Yes, you will," he insists. "Especially when it's a director." My interest is piqued at the mention of a director. "A director?"

The door to the dressing room swings open, revealing a man sitting on the sofa, dressed in an expensive suit and tie, signaling his involvement in the industry. "There she is!" he exclaims, extending his arm to take my hands. "Our Nation's sweetheart. Oh boy, my wife is going to be upset when I mention this." I smile at his comment. "Well, the pleasure is all mine. I hope you enjoyed the performance." He grins, expressing his admiration, "The show? I could have watched for hours."

Louis enters, draping my robe over my shoulders and removing the jewelry from my limbs. "Mr. Vander is here to discuss an opportunity for you," he tells me.

Mr. Vander nods with growing excitement, saying, "Indeed I am! I'm casting a new film, 'Under the Covers,' and I want you to be the leading lady." I open my mouth, my eyes widening. "You're aware that I'm a singer, not an actress, aren't you?"

Mr. Vander dismisses my concerns, waving his hands in protest. "That's just it! I've composed some songs for the film, but it's not a full-blown musical. I'm expanding my horizons," he explains. "I guarantee you will do just fine!" My fingers fidget anxiously. "I'm not sure, Mr. Vander. The big screen... me? I can't imagine it." Mr. Vander slides a script across the table. "Take a look, give me a call. No pressure, Sweetie," he says before making his exit.

As soon as the door closes and Mr. Vander leaves, Louis is already flipping through the pages of the script. "You're doing this," he asserts. I sigh at his words. "Can't I take a break? It's been one show after another, and now I have some time off, and you want me to go to California and embarrass myself? I've got a lucky set of vocal cords, that's all." I start wiping away my makeup.