Apartment Thirty-Nine ~d.j.h~

~8~

The next day. The sun peered through my window like a stalker. Its lights creeped on my floors, revealing the dust floating about.

I walked into the bathroom, flinging the sink water onto my skin as mascara from last night dripped down my face.

I heard two light knocks on the door as Dan let himself in.

"Hola, Frankie." He smiled at me from across the empty apartment. He was wearing a white button-up shirt and black pants. Shiny leather shoes with a heel accompanying them.

"What are you all dressed up for?" I chuckled, wrapping a hair band around my thick hair.

"Oh, nothing." He half-smiled at me.

"C'mon.. Tell me!" I said, folding his collar down.

"It's kind of... embarrassing."

"I don't care." I chuckled.

"Well, I'm playing a gig. A little show if you will. On my piano."

"Really? That's amazing! Where?"

"This..uh.. really fancy place called Arthur House."

"Sounds thrilling. Are you nervous?" I asked, making a bowl of cereal as he spoke.

"Sort of. It's my first ever public performance. I mean other than performing in front of Phil, but I don't know if that counts." He sniffled.

"Well, I am coming with you, okay? I wanna see you play!"

"That's not necessary." He started, but I was already getting dressed. I cleaned up my look briefly knowing we didn't have much time.

I flew out of the bathroom, grabbing his wrist and dragging him out the door.
-

As he drove, I could see a large building with white and yellow panels exposing it vividly through the rest of the city.

"There is Arthur House." He pointed at the building, gulping.

"Looks fancy."

"Yeah.." He chuckled.

Dan parked the car, heading towards the entrance. His heel tapped against the concrete in the most pleasing way.

We entered, me being greeted by a surprise.

The majority of the people were old, wrinkly faces with a smile as they met our eyes.

"Is this a nursing home, Dan..?" I whispered to him.

"Um.. Yeah." He rubbed his large hands against the black material of his pants.

"Oh, are you Dan?" A middle aged woman with brown chestnut hair pulled into a ponytail. She wore a white polo and blue work pants.

"Yes, that's me."

"Here to entertain the guests, yeah?" She smiled.

"Always."

"Right this way then." She gestured him to follow in which him and I both did.

"My name is Stacy. I'll be here anytime." She smirked as she left as at a polished black piano.

Dan's fingers brushed against the piano. Softly, like he was handling a bird. Something very precious to him. I've noticed that about Dan. He's gentle and anything he cares about or is too afraid to break or damage, he will treat it like it's more than just another object.