#@jongup

The gasps from the crowd were so exhilarating and intoxicating, driving her to continue. A wide smile stretched across her lips as she scanned the gathered crowd's shocked expressions when she suddenly appeared from what seemed to be nowhere. Using some colorful props she had found around the cirque, Dohee decided that rather than wait to get an official performance in amongst all the other performers that night, she would find a populated area and begin a little sideshow, at least as practice for when she would get a bigger role. It took only a moment for a healthy sized group to appear around her, marveling as she would seem to fade in and out of existence as she matched the bright surroundings and objects, tossing them about in the air to make them appear to move on their own. While there were others would could probably actually make objects move in such a way, Dohee believed she added something special to it by appearing and disappearing, sometimes even randomly turning her skin bright patterns she had memorized from other places. Yes, her routine would certainly need some work, but it was still fun.

As with all crowds, the gathered people eventually began to disperse, leaving her a little disappointed. To keep an audience, she put down the the colorful objects and remained camouflaged, teasing people by pulling on their clothes and sometimes seeming to suddenly materialize in front of them, earning the exhilarating gasps and yelps again. A few times she let her body from the neck down blend in, her head seeming to float around as she approached people, managing to  scare the living daylights out of them.

Darae’s eyes shot open at seeing the sunlight peeking from outside. She grabbed her alarm clock and glanced at it, someone had turned it off.  She looked over to her side, Junsu had already left for work.  The least he could do was wake her up.  He probably thought she needed the rest.  She had a horrible night, as usual, her guilty conscience eating away at her.  She rolled out of bed, her legs first and the rest following limply.  She could barely function under the minimal sleep she was receiving.  She was cranky, irritable and impatient, about three times more than usual.  Maybe some time off would be good.  Darae called the office and took the day off, sick.  She showered and got dressed in her usual all black, high heel spectacular.  If Darae was really sick, she needed to see the doctor and there was only one doctor she was willing to see.

Darae took a deep breath.  This was take two.  She was standing on Dr. Himchan’s doorstep once more, looking for advice about her dreams.  Her nightmares were still persistent and her last visit wasn’t of much help.  Unlike the last time, Darae chose to visit Himchan at a more reasonable hour, half past noon.  She assumed that since he was no longer a therapist, he would be at home writing or something. 

Darae pushed the doorbell for the third time and began to panic.  It wasn’t that she was worried something happened to Himchan.  She knew there was a possibility he could have went for a walk or grocery shopping.  Her worry as actually a lot more selfish than that.  This could be her only day off, and her only time to convince Himchan to continue practicing.

Darae squatted down and stared at the keyhole.  There was no point in picking it if no one was home.  But maybe if she found out why Himchan stopped working, then she could convince him to start again.  Before Darae could debate breaking and entering, the door opened.  Darae stood up slowly.

In front of her was a boy a few years younger than her.  He looked too old to be Himchan’s son, but still young enough to see like a family member staying over.