by Violinissia Roseworth

Created on: February 20, 2007   Last Updated: May 14, 2007

"The Music Box"

The room was dark; crimson curtains sealing out the sunlight. The only source of light in the room came from above, a dim old-fashioned chandelier lit with matches. Shadows of the fire flickered against the grey, concealing walls. Against the walls were dressers, the wood slightly rotting and unpolished with tarnished gold handles. Next to the dressers, was a small bed with a scarlet coloured blanket, and one pillow. It was neatly made, not a wrinkle to be found. The floor had a small black and white oriental rug, and on that sat a young girl.

She appeared to not be any older than nine. Long, flowing locks of curly raven coloured hair tumbled down her frail shoulders. Her icy sapphire eyes were bright, and seemed to stand out in the darkness. Her pale porcelain skin was delicate. It looked as if someone were to touch her she would shatter into pieces almost immediately. She was wearing a thin dress, such a light shade of pink that looked almost white. It hugged her small body as she sat with her dolls in front of her.

A small sigh escaped her lips as she brushed her dolls hair quietly. Her doll had a black dress on, with matching straight black hair. The make-up on the doll had a slightly gothic texture, and it had bright red lips.

"I am ever so sorry, my darling Shirley," she spoke as she continued to brush its hair. "Soon, we'll escape."

She put the doll down and lowered her head; her face could no longer be seen, buried in her silky curls. She reached her arm out and grasped the small music box in front of her, next to the doll. Slowly, she wound it up and let it play, note after note, and the dark room was soon filled with an enchanting melody. Very quietly, almost silently, the young girl hummed along with the music box. The music that played from the box had a light melody, polished with a dark layer only seen by those who look for it. This melody meant a lot to her. It held her memories, her wishes, and her soul.

Outside of her closed door, in the dark lightless halls, a loud crash and a shatter were heard. She closed her eyes. "Forgive me," she spoke, and the music stopped. She did not bother to wind it again. In the hall, a large mirror lay in thousands of miniscule pieces, scattered around the rug and hardwood floor. And there it would stay.

She lived alone. Her mother left her when she was born, and her father died of a heart attack. She was left in care of her grandmother, who never came to pick her up that day. Those in the outside world, thought nothing more of the house than an abandoned mansion. Nobody knew the girl still lived there.

Though she may have still been in her early years, she wasn't completely nave to the situation. She knew they weren't coming back. She also knew that eventually, she would die there. She didn't care though; it was all the same to her.

Her eyes opened and she stared at the floor silently. "It will all be over soon." She closed her eyes and lay silently on the floor. The music box began to play that same melody. She was correct. It was over. Forever.

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