The Harlequin's Curse

      Everyone loves beautiful and colorful dreams. Dreams where everyone is always happy, where there is no grief or bad weather, where everything is just fine. As if you live in an imaginary pink bubble, and you are the main one there – a luxurious life, isn't it? It's unlikely that you will want to get out of such a corner of paradise. Such dreams are usually not remembered, and if you manage to grab onto a piece of delightful memories, then, as luck would have it, they very quickly dissolve and evaporate, passing through your fingers and becoming just a mirage in the subconscious. And do you know what you will definitely remember for a very long time? That's right, absolutely right – nightmares. Especially those nightmares in which you are absolutely helpless. Helpless in front of your own dream – creepy, right? Although this is not the worst thing. It is much worse if you are helpless in front of yourself. You will definitely never forget such nightmares. Only if nothing interesting happens, right ...?     Luan fell into the dark void again, which extended in all directions and didn't even think of ending. A familiar sense covered the dark figure, it seemed to her as if all this had already happened. "I hope at least I won't see her", – the girl prayed, but then an azure flame flared up next to her, which quickly went around the levitating comedian and closed in a ring. The fire grew in all directions – up, wide, even somewhere deep, filling the entire endless darkness. Even if Luan could control her body and stood on something solid, she wouldn't have been able to escape – everything around was engulfed in a fire of magical color, and the girl understood perfectly well where it came from. "Damn, did I ask for that much?"     – Yes, you asked for that much, even too much. Luan twisted her head, trying to figure out where the familiar voice was coming from, but the mime was nowhere to be seen. All around was only a scorching fire and absolute emptiness. After a few moments, it finally appeared... or rather, they. Dozens of dark striped figures with a scorching blue flame in their hands and eyes glowing like stars appeared in the endless flame. They surrounded the weightless girl, towering over each other and lining up in a terrifying mosaic of madness.     – Whatever you do, you won't break me..., – Luan barked uncertainly into the emptiness, from which the echo of a hundred laughing demons immediately came.     – Hm, I think I already told you, – the largest and clearly most important figure of the mime began, – I won't have to do anything. You'll eat yourself from the inside. And I'll just push you.     – I won't listen to you! – the girl screamed in a trembling voice from the center of the hellish circle of dark figures.     – You will, you won't be able not to listen me. After all, you..., – the Satan of this terrible dream continued with murderous calm, gradually approaching the center of the fiery trap, – are afraid of me. And you will do as I want. You understand this, but don't want to admit it.     – No! I won't do anything! I don't want! You won't make me! – Luan screeched, but the emptiness only drowned out her screams, which incredibly amused the figures around. It seemed that this hell would never end – the poor hostage of her own head would rot right inside this bright and deadly flame. But it seemed that fate had other plans. Suddenly the fiery circle dimmed on one of its sides, and a few seconds later it died out completely. A white flash illuminated the space around, the dancing clones changed their laughter to a dying cry of despair and began to crumble in the remaining fire, trying to escape from the toxic conflagration. After just a couple of moments, an unexpected bright light completely extinguished the flames on half of the endless and frightening darkness, and barely shining sparks smoldered around the main figure of the mime, looking at the white flash with disdain. As if she knew what would follow her. Or rather, who would follow.     – You are incredibly lucky that at least someone doesn't abandon you. But believe me – this is far from the end. You and I are forever connected in this dance of death. So see you soon, my puppet, – the mime said with pleasure and anger at the same time before dissolving in the heat of the acid-blue flame blazing with his last strength. – See you soon... Laughing devilishly, the sinister figure finally crumbled into dust, which rushed in a sharp stream towards Luan, blinding and deafening the girl. The only thing she could make out was a blurry image of a man moving straight along a bright white corridor, which slowly grew into a stream of incinerating light. She didn't even immediately understand who this man was and what he was doing here. Without having time to comprehend this, the girl began to dissolve in the rays of crystal-white shimmer.     A perfect black three-piece suit, almost sparkling milky shoes, a shiny orange bowtie on the collar and white as snow hair, almost the same color as the shoes. The last thing Luan saw was glowing crystal eyes and an outstretched hand.

"It can't be... It's him..."

    Waking up from a strange dream, which was either a nightmare or a sign of fate, the girl didn't immediately understand what had happened. Taking a few deep breaths, she looked at the clock – almost six o'clock in the morning. She had slept only a couple of hours, but she didn't feel sleepy anymore. Having quickly realized everything, Luan found a small red button near the bed and pressed it, hearing a quiet squeak. Sitting up on the bed and hugging her knees, the girl began to wait. What to wait for? No one knows, even Luan herself doesn't know what she is waiting for now. "I have to do this, everything will be fine. It won't be difficult, we are family, what can go wrong?" – the girl thought, slightly confused in her thoughts – this dream seemed to have turned her brain and all its contents upside down. A minute later, a sleepy Benny entered the room – apparently, he also managed to rest a little, but the pleasure did not last long.     – Oh, Benny, sorry I woke you up, – Luan began to apologize, noticing the state of the guy who entered.     – It's okay, that's what I'm here for, – Benny said with a weak smile, stretching in place. – Did something happen?     – Have you... called my family yet? – the girl lying on the bed began with some uncertainty in her voice, her hands shaking slightly.     – Yeah, of course, I called them almost immediately after talking to you. Why? Luan hesitated for a second, not being completely sure of her decision. "Or maybe I shouldn't?". But what happened in this dream – the endless flame, the crowds of dancing mimes, the mysterious savior – all this clearly tipped the scales. Tipped them a lot.     – I t-think I've decided on the person I'd like to see with my parents. Benny, hearing this, immediately evaporated the remaining sleepiness and turned his gaze to the patient.     – Okay, I'll call them again now, – the guy, full of concentration and determination, came closer to the bed. – So, who did you choose? – Benny looked questioningly at the girl, taking his phone out of the pocket of his robe. Luan lowered her gaze and faded, as if a wave of burning shame rolled through her entire body. Her hands clenched into fists and trembled with tension. Only one name was heard in a quiet voice throughout the ward:     – Lincoln.  

***

    "So why did I say that? Why him? He supported me, and I repaid him like this. I decided to just die in the bathroom of our house, when he spent the whole evening on me and my problems. He even pacified the other sisters, although he never succeeded, and what about me? Just cut my hands? Why am I so disgusting?" – Luan thought sadly about her actions some time after talking to Benny. Of all the family members, Lincoln would be the hardest to look in the eyes. Neither her parents, nor her roommate Luna, no one came close to Lincoln in caring for her. Even her closest friends never supported her the way her younger albino brother did. Dropping literally everything he was doing, all his activities and problems, he rushed to help any of his sisters, but to the joker with milk-chocolate hair and a sparkling smile... he flew to her with special speed. At any time, from any point on the planet, wherever she was – Lincoln was ready for anything. "He will hate me. They will all hate me. I'm just awful...". Cutting off all thoughts, Benny entered the room:     – Luan? Your visitors are almost arrived. They will be here in just a couple of minutes. Is everything okay? The dejected girl suddenly perked up, her eyes darting around in search of a suitable answer.     – Yea-yeah, everything is... fine. The guy tilted his head slightly and squinted a little, clearly showing – if something is bothering you, then tell me, I will help. Or at least listen. And luckily Luan noticed this.     – Should I tell my parents about everything what... what is going on in my head? – the question came from the bed. The brown-haired man thought for a moment and looked at the ceiling in confusion, after which he frowned and looked away.     – Honestly, I don't know. As if they should know, but..., – the guy fell silent, which made Luan tense and interested at the same time.     – But? Closing his eyes, Benny sighed languidly and hurried to explain:     – You see, people perceive things like voices in their heads quite strangely, not to mention what you see. The girl's body shuddered from the memories, causing her disheveled hair, shimmering in the light of the early morning sun, to almost cover her face.     – I understand. Then perhaps they shouldn't kno...     – Stop-stop-stop, – the brown-haired man intervened, cutting Luan off mid-sentence. – We'll tell them everything, but gradually, so that there is no unnecessary anxiety and questions. And leave this question to us, – the figure in the robe assured, slightly easing the situation.     – O-okay, – the girl said trembling, who now looked like a small defenseless kitten left unattended. The tired guy took a step towards the door and yawned, trying to cover himself with his hand – the lack of proper sleep makes itself felt. Luan felt a completely different effect of lack of sleep – apparently because of this, she was full of determination and became significantly bolder.     – Benny, I have one request. The white coat turned almost on the spot, as if on command "around", and looked questioningly towards the bed.     – Yeap, what exactly?     – Could you... stay here while I talk to my parents. And I want to talk to Lincoln separately. Alone. Benny's mouth dropped open in surprise, and his eyebrows crawled up his forehead – he hadn't expected this. He quickly glanced into the corridor, darted into the ward and approached the bed.     – I think there is a good reason for this, and I would like to know it, if you don't mind, of course. Will you tell me when you get a chance? – the guy asked with some interest, which confused and scared Luan for a second.     – Y-yes, of course, but... why? The brown-haired man was of course ready for such a question, after all, it was a rather personal matter. Weakly rubbing the bridge of his nose, he hurried to calm the worried Luan:     – The thing is that the human psyche is a very ambiguous and fragile thing, it can crack and go downhill because of a mere trifle, and I... we wouldn't want that to happen to you, – Benny quickly said, slightly embarrassed and looking away for a second. – That's why we need to know a lot about your life, if not everything. What is important to you, what surrounds you, what you like and don't like – all this can help a lot. I have no right to insist, it's up to you to decide. But if you want to tell me something, then I will listen to you and support you. Luan looked at the guy without taking her eyes off, as if he was her only savior in this terrible and gloomy life. As if he was the only ray of help, brightly illuminating her path at least within the walls of this hospital.     – T-thank you, Benny. Really, thank you very much, – the smiling girl whispered, a few tears appearing in the corners of her eyes.     – You're welcome, thank you for your frankness, – the brown-haired man replied, lifting the corners of his lips. – I think it's time to call your parents, they're probably already here and waiting in the hallway. Are you ready? The girl's animated face quickly hid behind her disheveled hair. This exciting moment couldn't be put off any longer.     – Yes... I'm ready, – a quiet phrase was heard through the curls of hazel strands. Benny nodded briefly and ran out into the hallway, where, judging by the sounds, they were already waiting for him. From the half-open door, an exhausted guy could be heard telling someone something.     – She's still weak, so I'll go with you and keep an eye on her condition. And you're Lincoln, right? – Benny asked in the hallway, and Luan's heart began to race at the mention of his name and the realization that he was standing right outside the door, just a few meters away. She never heard an answer, apparently Lincoln just nodded. – Luan will talk to you later, alone. That's her request. Mr. and Mrs. Loud, come on in, we don't have much time.     – Yes, yes, of course. Lincoln, wait here, – the parents of the family – Lynn Sr. and Rita – were frantically saying, and their familiar voices were making the girl cringe no less. "The next fifteen minutes will be hard..." Benny slowly entered the room, followed by two people who right now made Luan's heart beat faster. Her breathing became heavy and intermittent, and her body seemed to turn into jelly. Jelly that slowly and helplessly spreads across the bed, waiting for its salvation or sentence.     – Daughter... you are our treasure! – the relatives, speaking in a half-whisper, almost rushed to the bed, but they were stopped by a hand in a white doctor's coat.     – I understand your emotions, but please be careful and restrained. She still has a hard time communicating with people, – Benny said, for which Luan was incredibly grateful – if not for this timely, albeit slightly far-fetched remark, she would have been crushed or strangled right there on this bed. She didn't want either one, so all she could do was lie quietly and watch from the side, with her knees pulled up. The adults quickly nodded their heads and, much more calmly and slowly, approached their daughter's bed.     – There are two chairs in the corner on the right, you can put them wherever you like, – a voice was heard from behind, so Lynn and Rita willingly took advantage of the offer, taking small chairs and placing them very close to the bed.     – How are you, my girl? – Rita began first, with a few small tears welling up in her eyes.     – Everything... more or less, – Luan answered uncertainly, lowering her head down and burying her gaze in the snow-white fabric of the blanket. – Forgive me... Both parents started chattering at once, almost interrupting and shouting over each other.     – What are you saying? It's you who forgive us! We were so worried! We are to blame for all of this! – the father and mother repeated in one voice, which is why everything in heavy and doubt-filled head got mixed up. "Lie! They weren't worried, and they don't feel guilty! They're lying!" – thoughts flashed through Luan's head, followed by terrible memories and dream images, which made her feel very unpleasant and scary. She tried to push this nonsense away from herself, but as a result, she not only stopped listening to the continuous remorse of her relatives, but also completely twisted all the threads of her thoughts. "I won't think about it. Even if it's true. This is not now. This is all... later", – the girl repeated to herself, squeezing chocolate strands of her hair in her trembling hands.     There were still about thirteen minutes of conversations, bashful glances down and welling tears ahead. "I hope this doesn't drag on. It's really... hard. And very, very embarrassing".  

***

    – Mr. and Mrs. Loud, our time is running out, we need to leave some extra for Lincoln, – Benny said, approaching the small chairs near the bed where the patient's parents were sitting.     – Okay, okay. Come on, dear, it's time to go now, – Lynn said, putting his hand on Rita's shoulder. – By the way, uh... Mr. Stein, right? – Mr. Loud addressed the brown-haired man, to which the latter nodded.     – That's right, but you can just call me Benny, – the guy answered, embarrassed. – It's even awkward to hear you address me as 'you.     – Okay, Benny. When can we come again?     – We have daily visits, but you can visit patients no more than once every three days. Otherwise, there would be huge crowds here – this is the main hospital in the city after all, – the brown-haired man answered with slight pride, adjusting his robe, which had already become very wrinkled. Having clarified all the details of their daughter's condition, Luan's parents slowly walked out into the corridor together with Benny. Rita hugged her daughter one last time and kissed her on the top of her head, and the white robe slipped out of the ward last and nodded at the door, reminding her of Lincoln, after which the door closed. "Okay, it wasn't as painful as I thought", – Luan thought over this thought in her head, trying not to forget the main thing – a conversation with the one who contributed the most to her salvation is ahead. The man who was ready to die for her sister is about to enter this room, and the girl doesn't understand at all what he thinks of her now. "Since he came, it means he cares, yeah? Everything can be good, right?" – Luan thought, trying to distract herself and calm her raging heart, ready to jump out of her chest. "But what if he doesn't love me the way he used to? What if he doesn't care about me anymore, and this is all just for the show? What if he thinks I'm a traitor now, and I'm not his sister anymore? What if he... hates me now? Not that, please, no!".     – Hello... sis. Because of the flow of heavy thoughts, the girl didn't notice how the door of the ward opened, and the reason for worries and fear entered – snow-white hair, a signature orange shirt and jeans, and most importantly – icy calm, even in such a situation. No matter what was happening inside his smart head, no one would ever be able to understand if everything was okay. But now... Even on his young and seemingly stone face it was written – he was happy, and scared, and offended at the same time. Their eyes met, Luan's whole body froze, even her heart stopped for a second. But now there was no hiding. Nowhere to go or run away. The muffle heartbeat of the defenseless girl marked the beginning of a duel, in which she, unlike her brother, was completely unarmed. Now it's up to him to decide how this day will begin – either with just a heart-to-heart talk, or with the destruction of the family ties that bind these cheerful people who are ready to do anything for each other into something more than just "brother and sister".     – Hello... lil bro.