Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

The Dancer

Trigger Warning
One of the characters has cancer. This may be a bit sensitive for some. Please read at your discretion.

❝ 𝘴𝘰 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 ❞

Word count: 1816

— 𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 🩰 ❞

Swans are so graceful, gliding across the water under beams of moonlight. Each step leaves a mark, oscillating with a fluid charm. The sequence is perfect and unbroken, but suddenly the swan gasps as her breath escapes. She falls gracefully, but her body appears beaten. She's so frail, so small. Where has your strength gone, my lovely swan?

Your grace and overwhelming allure are past affairs. Your strength is now a myth, a story.

Kneeling at her feet, silent, hoping her mind would respond to my voice, I whimper, "Grace."

The monotone beep, echoing in the room, has long muted from my mind but still rang loud enough to drive me insane. It prodded at my ears, digging further into my subconscious, warping my sense of reality.

So I held her hand, desperately holding onto what was real.

"Excuse me, Mr. Stein, although we've made an exception, you cannot stay any longer. I hope you understand."

I nod. I had been there for over a day and was thankful they allowed it, but I couldn't be greedy. I have to go.

"Will you be visiting tomorrow?"

Again, I nodded faintly. The nurse smiles and walks me out. Leaving the chilling hospital, I step outside in the hot summer air. Heavy and humid, it crushes my weak resolve to move. I wipe my already sweating brow and unclamp a button of my chemise.

I drag myself to the car, leaning against the hot roof. The heat scorches my hands, but I'm so tired even my reflexes can't save my skin. Red and throbbing, it reminds me of the heart still beating in my chest. I painfully clench my fist and enter the now-smouldering vehicle. It's time to go home.

° ‧ ₊ 𓆩🤍𓆪
"Kyle, look at all the swans. Aren't they lovely?"

"Not as lovely as you," the man replied, kissing the woman's temple. She raised an eyebrow, pensive and whispered, "132."

He looked confused. Had he said something wrong?

"The number of times you've used that line: 132."