Tayvis One-Shots

strings of kindness

Taylor's POV

The midday sun beams through the car window, and I adjust my sunglasses, glancing down at the piece of paper in my hand. It's got all the details: a modest house in a quiet neighborhood on the outskirts of town. This is where Faye lives, a 16 year old who's been a fan of mine since Red, ever since she was a toddler.

I can't stop thinking about her letter. She poured her heart out, telling me about the tough year she's had, losing her dad, dealing with anxiety that makes every day feel like an uphill battle. She wrote about how my music has been her lifeline, how it's helped her feel less alone. I've read a lot of fan letters over the years, but something about hers... it just stayed with me.

"You ready for this?" Mom asks from the passenger seat, her voice calm and reassuring like it always is.

I smile nervously, gripping the small gift bag in my lap. "I hope I don't freak her out. Showing up unannounced might not have been my brightest idea."

Mom chuckles softly. "You're going to make her day, Tay. Just be yourself. That's all she wants."

I nod, taking a deep breath before stepping out of the car. My heart is pounding as I walk up the driveway. The house is small but cozy, with flowers planted in neat rows by the porch. I clutch the bag a little tighter, suddenly wondering if I should've called ahead.

I ring the doorbell, and for a moment, everything is still. Then I hear footsteps, quick, excited ones, and the door swings open to reveal a woman in her forties, her dark hair tied back in a simple ponytail. Her expression shifts from curious to absolutely stunned.

"Oh my goodness," she breathes, blinking rapidly. "You're... Taylor Swift?"

I offer her a small smile. "Hi! You must be Faye's mom?"

"Yes," she says, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm Lisa. Is everything okay?"

"Everything's great," I reassure her. "I just wanted to stop by and surprise Faye. I read her letter, and it really touched me. Is she home?"

Lisa covers her mouth with her hand for a moment before nodding quickly. "She's in her room. Oh, she's going to be so excited! Please, come in."

She steps aside, and I walk into the house, instantly hit with the comforting scent of vanilla candles and fresh laundry. The living room is small and tidy, with family photos lining the walls. I notice one of Faye and her dad, his arm around her shoulders, both of them smiling wide.

Lisa wipes her hands on her jeans, still looking a little flustered. "I'll go get her. Can I... would you like anything to drink? Water? Coffee?"

"No, thank you," I say warmly. "I'm fine, really."

She nods and heads down the hall, calling Faye's name. I hear Faye respond, her voice muffled, and then quick footsteps as she rushes out of her room.

When she rounds the corner, her eyes land on me, and she freezes. Her jaw drops, and her hand flies to her mouth.

"Hi," I say, smiling softly. "You must be Faye."

"Oh my God," she whispers, her voice barely audible. "Oh my God."

Lisa watches her daughter, grinning from ear to ear. "Surprise!"

I laugh gently, hoping to put her at ease. "It's really me, I promise. I wanted to come by and say hi. Is that okay?"

Faye nods so quickly I'm surprised she doesn't get dizzy. "Yes! I mean, yes, it's okay! Please come in!"

Faye steps aside quickly, her face a mix of awe and disbelief. I follow her into the living room, glancing around at the cozy space. There's a shelf full of books and some framed photos of her family. A guitar leans against the wall near the couch, and I can't help but smile.