I stand on a large, round white marble stage, covered by a red mat. The orchestra is nowhere to be seen, yet still creates the melody backing me up. My song is one I have sung countless times on this stage. So many times, in fact, that the melody and lyrics no longer inspire joy in me. It has become white noise. I tune it out like I would the sound of a clock ticking.
I can no longer even remember the lyrics; I lost them when my words started breaking down in my mouth after being uttered so much. All I can hear now is unrecognizable nonsense. Indeed, I cannot even remember my own name anymore, and I have forgotten completely what my face looks like.
I have lost count of how many years I have been standing on this stage, singing the same songs over and over and over and over and over again. Eons, would be a better description.
All around the stage are seats filled with 'people'. I can see them, but they begin dissapearing when I look too closely. Their features fade and all that is left are blank, grey mannequins veiled in darkness.
No matter how long I dance or sing for, I never grow hungry or tired, I never become exhausted by dancing and my lungs always seemed to be filled. The red dress and red flat shoes I have been wearing for so long show no sign at all of use. Even the rose at the end of my plunging neckline is like new.
The stage is surrounded by a round pit of water separating me from the seats. On the water, many small boats bear lit lanterns. Attatched to the stage is a narrow path made of creaking wood, which has rotted to the point of falling apart. It leads to an archway covered by thick red drapes. I cannot remember if I tried crossing it once, but it seems so, as there is a large hole in path that is barely bigger than my foot.
Suddenly, I hear the first recognizable words I have in eons.
"The last solo will now begin." The sound echoes in my ears. I haven't heard another voice since before I can remember. And...last solo? Will I finally be free from this place?!
New words form in my mouth. And these, I can recognize. It seems to be a hymn of some kind, with wild, expressive movements. It feels...familiar, in a way. I must have heard it somewhere before. For the first time in forever, I sing wholeheartedly. I feel the emotion in the song, and convey it to the best of my ability, actually trying.
When it ends, I am left sweating and panting. My lungs struggle for air, and I smell of salt. It's exhilirating! It feels like lightning passing through me! I hear the crowd's applause, and the lights are blown out by a strong, cool wind. I look to the archway, to see the drapes gone. On the other side, a white void seems to beckon me to it. It shines light into the room, and its brightness stings my eyes when I look at it.
I breathe out softly, and it steams in the air. My arms and legs are prickling, and the wind blowing is cooling the air. My hair waves around in the wind, and it loosens and falls from its tie. The wind blows stronger, and I cover my eyes with my arms. I stare into the light, and start slowly walking forward.
I walk towards the archway in a transe. Feeling the ancient wood under my toes snaps me out of it, casuing me to look down. The water surrounding it has dissapeared, and all that is left is a bottomless void.
I tread carefully on the creaking wood while looking down at my feet. One misstep would cause me to fall. I hear wood rattling behind me. I look over my shoulder, and see the mannequins draging themselves towards me. They're surprisingly quick. I start panicking, and my heart beats in my ears. I walk faster and faster, until I'm almost running over the path. It seems to be endless...I dare not look behind me, the fear of what I'd see is paralyzing my neck. After walking for what seems like minutes, I finally reach the other side of the path. I look back, and I see the mannequins still crawling after me.
I turn and start running through the white void. It is not made of any material I recognize, and it is a white that burns my eyes.
I run and I run and I run. In the distance, I see a tall wooden door with intricate panelling.
when I finall reach it, I stop, put my hands on my knees and pant heavil with my head leaning against the door. I panic and dart my head over my shoulder, but the mannequins are nowhere to be found. A huge wave of relief hits me and I almost start crying. I breathe in and out slowly, and place my hand on the door.
By now, I'm drenched in sweat. I'm so tired I feel like I could collapse any second, and my knees wobble slightly.
I softly trace the panels with my fingers, and push open the door.
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