Goodie Dreamer's Arc

Chapter 5 of 13

Goodie stepped back from the waiting eyes and ducked behind a cloud-tuft curtain. A small wooden vanity sat there, its mirror polished bright. She lifted a brush stitched with tiny stars and pulled it through her hair. Each stroke smoothed a tangle and brushed away a worry. She tied a rainbow sash around her waist. In the mirror, she looked ready. But ready for what? She turned back to the ballroom and her stomach dropped. The shimmering dome stretched over nothing. No tables. No cloths. No tiered stands. No music. She pictured what should be there. A long wooden stage floating on soft puffs, where singers could hum cloud lullabies. A wide tray heaped with sandwich triangles, glossy pastries, and bright strawberries at the centre. Tea steaming in matched cups. Her hands curled at her sides. The picture was so clear, and the room was so empty. Goodie's smile shook. She smoothed her sash and stepped forward anyway, into the waiting silence. The dream party stayed locked in her head. The real ballroom stayed bare. And every guest was still watching her, waiting for something to begin.