Book of Shadows: Fire Dance Part 1

It was dark. That was one thing that was certain. She could see, her eyes having adjusted to this particular lighting. Also, it helped there was a small window to let some light in while it was day but when the sun left, it would just be practically pitch black all around her depending on where the moon was or the phase it was in.

She hated it. Oh did she HATE it. She wanted to scream whenever it went dark, but yet she felt paralyzed whenever it was. Maybe it was something psychological. She wouldn’t really know. She did know that’s something the doctors would probably say. Especially since they always came for her “treatments” when it was dark. When she couldn’t even bring herself to shriek out at them.

They always say everything is psychological… or least they say that sometimes. Everything else is just “bad blood” as they put it. The jerks.

Willow curled on her bed, hugging a well loved patched together stuffed bear to her chest.

“You’re the only one who understands, Bernie. You’re the only one whoever understood me.” She sighed. “Just wish they’d stop. They’re just doing it because it’s funny to them. That’s why.”

She sat up, looking Bernie in the eyes.

“What’s that you say? You would like a performance? What a great idea! I haven't done one in over a week. I’m so sorry to keep you waiting my friend!”

She sat the bear against a wall, making sure he could sit up. She smiled to herself as she got into stance, making her feet go on pointe.

“Let me continue the tale of the brave young girl her and her loyal fire bird as they go up against the evil king!”

She floated across the floor with ease, taking flight whenever she lept into the air, mimicking the patterns of bird flapping its wings. Her arms whipped around from position to position, a warrior at her finest.

“Be gone, evil king! You have no right to rule over us!”

“SCREEEE!”

Willow giggled as she did what she could to mimic the sound of a bird. She looked to Bernie, giving a bow.

“And that, is the end of the tale, my friend.”

“Brava! Brava! Brava!”

Willow grinned widely, picking up the bear, giving him a tight hug as she spun around the room.

“You were right, Bernie. That did make me feel better.”

“You should perform at one of the biggest dancing halls ever.”

“Maybe one day. Though I will require stage full of fire. Wouldn’t be me if I didn’t have my first love.”

“Yes. You are a fire ballerina after all.”

“The only one of my kind.” Willow sighed dramatically. “One day I’ll prove that it’s an actual thing. Though… now I wish I could burn something. I really could use a flame.”

“You have your lucky lighter. Just use that.”

“... It’ll do. A small flame will work.”

Willow went to her bed, ducking under it, pulling out one of the floor boards, revealing a red and gold lighter with a flower design on it.

“The one thing I’ll never let them take.”

She pulled it out, sitting behind her bed, getting a flame to spark. Her body relaxed at the sight of the flame. She brought it close, watching it flicker.

“So pretty…”

“Just like you, Willow.”

“Oh stop it, Bernie.”

“I mean it! Any guy would drop dead in your presence if they knew what they were really looking at!”

“I suppose.” She looked at her arms, frowning at the scars and bruises on them. “Not exactly a proper lady though.”

“Who needs that noise? You’re something original!”

Willow smiled.

“True… Guess only a real man could look past it all. The scars… The messy hair… The pyromania…” She lowered her head. “The girl who talks to herself because she has no real friends…”

“You have me. You’ve always had me.”

“I know Bernie. My one true friend and possibly family.”

“I was a gift from your parents after all.”

“Least we’re pretty sure you were. Who else would’ve made you filled with so much love?”

“Awww. You’re making me blush.”

Willow shook her head.

“Silly bear.”

Knock knock knock

Willow gasped, quickly putting the flame out, stashing the lighter away, replacing the floor board before hopping on to her bed.

“Who is it?” She asked, her tone turning flat.

“Lunch.”

“Oh. Hi, Lunch.” Willow rolled her eyes. “Intrude.”

The door opened, revealing a young man on the other side. He had wild dark greenish hair with some lighter streaks in it. His eyes were an amber yellow and had glasses over them that were rectangular in shape. Willow titled her head, noting he looked younger than most of the staff she had seen before… and he looked exceptionally tired.

“What got you?” She asked, unable to help the curious tone that came to her voice. “You look like you haven’t slept in weeks.”

The young man gave a yawn, shaking his head.

“M’not tired at all.”

“Suuuure.”

His eyelids lowered a little.

“You want your lunch or not?”

“I thought you were Lunch.”

“Oi… I’m not something to be eaten, Miss.” He held up a watermelon his hands. “This is your lunch. A waltermelon.”

Willow snickered a little, earning an annoyed look from the young man. “W-Waltermelon?”

The man blinked a few times before he brought a hand to his face.

“Goodness I really am out of it. I meant watermelon! WATERMELON! Not waltermelon! Walter, is actually my name. Waltermelon-” He clamped a hand over his mouth.

Willow giggled, a grin coming to her face.

“Whatever you say, Waltermelon.” She gave a curious look. “Though… you sure you want to be in here? I’m the “fire lady”.”

Walter rolled his eyes.

“I’m here to bring food to you just like anyone else in this asylum. Honestly, compared to the others I got to meet today, you’re tame.”

“Well, I’m not that hungry. Eat it yourself.” She shrugged. “I’m sure you’d make better use of it then me.”

Walter raised an eyebrow.

“... When the was the last time you even ate? Your clothes are sagging around your abdomen. That’s not entirely normal.”

She gave a small shrug.

“Dunno. Night before my last “treatment” I think.Then it just was too painful.”

Walter frowned.

“I… see. Well, you best not starve yourself. It puts more stress on your body.”

She gave him a look. “What? You some kind of doctor with that talk?”

“Em… Well…” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sort of in regards to foods. Not the usual kind you see here.”

“Then I’m DEFINITELY not eating that. I’ve been tricked before.” She scoffed. “I’m not an idiot.”

“Please, Miss.” Walter held up the watermelon to her. “I don’t want to hurt or trick anyone. I just want to help.”

She looked at the fruit before back up to him. “You share it with me then. If it’s safe, you’ll eat part of it too.”

“If it will you get to eat, I don’t care. Besides, I know it’s safe.” He sat down, producing a knife from his apron, setting the watermelon down on the ground, using his apron as a means of keeping it separate from the dirty floor. “I grew it myself.” He stuck the knife in, chopping it up.

Willow watched him work, curiosity coming to her eyes at how fast his hand moved without ever coming close to cutting himself.

“Wow…”

Walter gave a small grin before offering a piece to her. “Alright, all cut up. Come on now.”

“You first.”

“Very well.” Walter brought the piece back to him, taking a bite out of it, sighing a bit at the taste. “Mm… Still fresh and not too moist.”

Willow was quiet… until a rather loud noise was heard. She turned red before grabbing a piece for herself.

“Geeze, stupid stomach. So loud.” She mumbled before biting into it… Eyes going a little wide at how good it tasted. It was sweet but not overly so… and he was right, it wasn’t too moist either.

It’s… really yummy.

“It’s just its way of saying you need nutrition.” Walter chuckled. “And not to mention it knows good food when it senses it. Like I said, grew this one myself.”

“It’s really yummy. It’s as sweet as candy. Though why watermelons…? I mean, it’s tasty but do you like that the best?”

“They’re one of my favorite fruits but I wanted to start simple and make a good impression here being my first day and all. I mean… I know it’s not the most pleasant place, but I thought something sweet could maybe bring some… small... very small amount of joy to this place.”

Willow was quiet before a small smile came to her face.

“Thank you. That means a lot.” She looked down a little. “You know, you're the first person here to ever talk to me. Not just drop the tray and run.”

“Well, I was taught the best way to help someone is to just sit down and listen and of course, interact. Not everyone here was welcoming to it. In fact, someone threw something at me and told me to scram as soon as I set the food down. Some shouted as well. You’re the first to tolerate my presence just a little bit. Especially after I messed up saying my own name.”

“You actually made me laugh after a really rotten week. You earned a chance to be heard… and I figured if you were a jerk I could just throw something too.” She held up Bernie. “A Bernie to the face.”

“I see. Death by stuffing.” Walter chuckled. “Cute bear.”

She smiled shyly, hugging it to her chest. “He’s one of the only things they let me keep. I’ve had him since I was a baby.”

“And I can tell he’s been well loved.” Walter smiled gently. “I’m glad they let you keep him. I’m sure he keeps you company in this place.”

“He does. He keeps the nightmares from getting really bad and he helps me sleep. I can’t rest at all without him.”

“Then I’ll be sure he stays with you if it helps you feel better.” Walter offered the rest of the watermelon to her. “I’d stay longer, but I need to report back to the kitchen. But before I go, do you have any flavor in particular you like?”

She took the fruit, nibbling on a piece before answering.

“I really like spicy foods. I used to put a LOT of pepper on everything back where I lived before - even on desserts. Didn’t get to have it often but I liked chocolate too.”

“I shall keep that in mind then.” Walter brushed off his apron, making his way for the door. “Keep safe now.”

The door closed, leaving Willow along with Bernie again.

“Well, he seems like an odd fellow.”

“He didn’t poison me at least… and he seems nice. Plus, he actually seemed worried.”

“Guess the big question is, can we trust him?”

Willow finished her food, laying back with Bernie in her arms.

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll have to see if he’ll come back and not be a jerk later on.”

“Maybe there is hope. But for now, sweet dreams, Willow.”

“You too, Bernie.”