Total: 933 words
Gen total: 2600 words
Fern’s nap was anything but restful. She spent all of it tossing and turning, thoughts churning in her mind. She wished she could just pinpoint the source of her distress, but nothing in particular came to mind.
Fern just didn’t understand it. She had a loving family, a caring friend and partner in crime, plentiful food, warm shelter, a way to make money. All of her needs seemed met, and yet she was not happy.
What was she missing? She did not know, only that something in her life seemed amiss. Sighing, she gave up the pretense of sleep and went to find the others. They were cleaning up after the crowds and beginning to pack up for the evening. They would be in this area one more day before moving on to a new location. Without a word, Fern grabbed a broom and began to sweep up the day’s detritus.
As she swept, Fern became aware of the occasional worried glances from the others. Copper wouldn’t have told anyone else, she was sure, so her face must be reflecting her mood. She looked up from her work to see Wayang staring at her. She forced a smile at her adoptive father and continued to sweep, even going so far as to whistle a little song to herself. This did not seem to convince Wayang, but Fern pushed on with her tableau. Perhaps if she acted hard enough, her mood would pass in earnest.
Fern was so invested in trying to be happy that she didn’t notice she had stopped sweeping altogether. She was shaken from her reverie by a tap on her shoulder. It was Wayang, and he looked more worried than ever. “We need to talk,” he said simply.
Fern followed Wayang back into the caravan where she had just tried and failed to nap.
“What’s wrong?” Wayang asked abruptly but gently as soon as Fern shut the door behind herself.
“What do you mean?” Fern asked, but again, she failed to convince even herself that she was okay. For someone who performed on stage for a living, she was failing as an actress quite a lot today.
“Do you really think nobody has noticed you’re not yourself today?” Wayang asked. “We all know you’re not okay, but nobody knows why and Copper, if he does know, isn’t sharing.”
“He doesn’t know what’s wrong because I don’t know myself. Something is just off. I can’t focus, I can’t sleep, and I have no idea why.”
“Is it the show? You know I never liked the idea of exploiting your gift like that. We could find something else for you and Copper to do.”
“It’s not the show. At least, I don’t think it is.” Fern went silent, contemplating. Was it the show? Was she upset that her secret gift was being turned into a circus act? She certainly hadn’t been as enthusiastic about the idea as Copper had been when he conceived of it. But she enjoyed being on the stage, with an audience hanging on her every word, her every expression. There was a thrill to it that she couldn’t resist. “No,” she repeated more firmly, “It’s not the show.”
“It’s not Copper, is it?” Wayang asked. “Did he finally make his move? I thought you two were solid. I hope you let him down easy.”
Fern was taken aback by this. “What…?” she started, then recovered herself. “What on Sornieth are you talking about?”
“You and Copper, of course. Your relationship.” Wayang was confused. Wasn’t this common knowledge? Apparently nobody had bothered to tell Fern if it was.
“What relationship? We’re just friends,” Fern insisted.
“He’s in love with you, and up until this moment, I honestly thought you felt the same,” Wayang pressed. “Can you honestly sit here and tell me that you don’t?”
Fern was shocked by Wayang’s words, but something warm in her chest began to take over. Copper in love with her? That couldn’t be, could it? And why did the thought make her so happy?
Wayang smiled. “I thought so.”
Fern’s face, which had lit up at the thought of Copper, quickly fell. “I’m getting tired of being so easy to read today.
“Sorry,” Wayang offered. Fern nodded but said nothing. It was clear she was still ruffled, but Wayang pretended not to notice.
“What should I do? Should I talk to him about it?” Fern asked nervously.
“Well, waiting for him to say something hasn’t exactly gotten you two anywhere.” Wayang pointed out. “So yes, I would broach the subject with him if I were you.”
Fern sighed deeply. “Okay, I’ll try.”
Wayang stared at her for a minute or two. “Are you sure that’s what’s bothering you?”
“Well, no, not really,” Fern admitted. “But I feel better than I have all afternoon, so I might as well give it a shot. It’s all I’ve got to go on right now, isn’t it?”
“I suppose so,” Wayang replied thoughtfully. “But why don’t you and Copper take some time off from the show just in case?”
“A break would be nice. Copper and I discussed that earlier today.”
“I’m glad. You seem like you could use it. I’ll settle it for you with Murasaki,” Wayang replied.
“Thanks,” Fern responded warmly. She gave Wayang a tight hug, which he returned with delight. He was delighted to see Fern acting more herself.
“Should I send Copper in here?” he asked her.
“No, thank you. I’ll find time to have that conversation soon, though. I promise.”
“Good,” Wayang responded. “Now let’s go help the others finish cleaning.”
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