unfinished echoes - taylor swift

14

The filming for Echoes was well underway after weeks of preparation. Taylor had taken on the role of director, overseeing every detail to make sure the music video conveyed the raw emotion of the song. Daisy had been a natural, slipping into the role with ease, her expressions capturing the vulnerability Taylor had written into the lyrics.

The day's scene was one of the most important yet—a symbolic moment where Daisy was supposed to fall backward into the water, representing being overwhelmed and pulled under by emotions. The crew had taken every precaution, and Daisy had assured Taylor she could handle it, though Taylor couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness.

"Alright," Taylor called, her voice steady despite her unease. "Daisy, remember to relax as you fall. It'll look more natural. And we've got divers ready if you need help."

"Got it, boss," Daisy replied with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.

Taylor smiled back, though her grip tightened on her clipboard.

The cameras rolled, and Daisy executed the fall perfectly, her body arching gracefully as she hit the water. The crew cheered softly at the beautiful take, but as seconds passed, something felt off.

Taylor's heart sank when she realized Daisy wasn't surfacing.

"Cut!" she shouted, her voice sharp. "Get her out of there! Now!"

The crew sprang into action, and the divers quickly dove into the water. Taylor stood frozen, panic gripping her chest as she watched them pull Daisy to the surface.

When Daisy was finally out of the water, coughing violently and gasping for air, Taylor ran to her without hesitation.

"Oh my God, Daisy," Taylor breathed, wrapping a thick towel around her shivering form. She crouched down, her hands trembling as they cradled Daisy's face. "Are you okay? Talk to me."

Daisy coughed again, her breaths coming in shallow gasps, but she managed a weak smile. "I'm... okay," she rasped, her voice hoarse. "Just swallowed half the pool."

Taylor's eyes glistened, her relief mixing with lingering fear. "That's not funny," she whispered, pulling Daisy into a tight hug. "You scared the hell out of me."

Daisy leaned into her, the towel clutched tightly around her shoulders. "Sorry," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Taylor pulled back just enough to look at her, her thumb brushing a wet strand of hair from Daisy's face. "We're done for today," she said firmly. "No more filming until I know you're completely okay."

Daisy opened her mouth to protest, but Taylor cut her off.

"I mean it, Daisy. Your safety is more important than this video."

Daisy sighed, nodding weakly. "Alright. But I'm really fine, Taylor. Just a little shaken."

Taylor's lips tightened, her guilt evident. "This was my idea. I should've been more careful—"

"Stop," Daisy interrupted, her hand resting lightly on Taylor's. "It wasn't your fault. Things happen. I'm okay because of you."

Taylor hesitated, then nodded, her fingers lingering on Daisy's cheek. "Let's get you warmed up. We're going back to my place."

Without giving Daisy a chance to argue, Taylor helped her up and led her to the trailer, making sure she was comfortable and wrapped in as many blankets as possible. Taylor sat beside her the whole time, her protective streak in full force.

As they sat there, Daisy reached out, her hand finding Taylor's. "Hey," she said softly, squeezing it. "I'm really okay. But... thanks for saving me."

Taylor's lips quirked into a small, relieved smile. "I'll always save you, Daisy. Always."