OLD BUT GOLD
Heels click against the paint-cracked, hardwood panels. Wheels squeak as they attempt to glide along that same floor. The handle is turned and the lights illuminate the outside of the curtain.
Strings sing. Brass bellows. Piano plays. Base beats.
Behind the facade of the curtain, chaos reins. Leisurely walks turn to jogging to rapid running. A foggy haze consumes backstage as sand falls from sandbags and actors smoke away their troubles. Sound begins to roar from the pit as the final preparations are made.
Running ceases. The haze disapparates. Heels click no longer. Sound stops.
Everything is still.
Then, the conductor raises his wand. Anticipation and trepidation fill the air. He brings it down and the story begins.
The curtain soars and a spotlight centers on her. She opens her eyes and their brilliance lights the entire space. Songs of beauty, disgrace, longing fill the ears of every viewer. They sit in awe as she pulls them in, enticing them to understand her feelings.
Going...going...gone.
After the show, she makes her way off the stage. Down countless steps, she reaches her dressing room. Off comes the costume. Off comes the makeup. Off comes the hats, wigs, and gloves. As everything melts away, she sits down on her stool.
Across the room, a mirror sits on the wall. She watches it stare back at her. As she gazes at herself, the tears begin to roll.
Sadness. Regret. Hopelessness.
The moment lasts for but five minutes. People come in and fit her into a new costume. Her face is once again plastered with makeup. Upon finishing, she is rushed upstairs to speak to the reporters. As she makes her way, she practices smiling and laughing.
The doors open. She smiles. Shouting surrounds her. Each reporter fights for her attention.
Laughs. Smiles. Deception. Her face aches.
After the press, she is molded into another look. New clothes, new makeup. A limo pulls up and takes her to a party. Once again she is bombarded with photographs and questions on her way in. At the party, she is thrown from person to person to talk with. Drinks continually end up in her hand.
Going...going...gone.
She awakes and finds herself in a hospital. She is alone.
An eerie silence floats in the room. She looks around. She has never been in a hospital before. Strange gadgets are all around.
She falls back...falling...fallen.
Next time there are people. Her eyes began to open, but she stops them when she hears voices. She waits.
Voices fade. Eyes open. An idea pops into her head.
She sits up. Sunlight streams through the window.
She finds some regular shoes. A normal outfit is borrowed from the closet. So is a coat. She thinks about it, then brings her hat. Gloves are needed as well.
Down the back staircase. Happy tears. Real smiles. No practicing.
She bursts through the back door. She laughs as she looks around. Freedom.
As she runs off, the sunset envelops her.
Going...going...gone.