Author's Note: I apologize for not updating my other stories, as writer's block seems determined to ruin that for me. However, while watching Quidam, this little drabble appeared in my head. In case it isn't obvious, yes I'm referring to the German Wheel act in this. Enjoy!
It was simply his nature to smile, though none ever knew why. They would see the silver wheel pass by with him encased in it and not think twice. They took his enthusiasm for granted, but he never minded this one bit. He did not want their awe or defection. No, his needs were much simpler than most in the Quidam's realm.
So quickly did the wheel pass by others that none noticed his hat was the same as the Quidam's. It was a paler color, one to match the blues of his pants and lips, but it was certainly a match to the world's creator. Perhaps it was best if they never noticed. That would only lead to questions, and he did not want to leave his wheel long enough to answer them.
Long ago, he had been the Quidam's equal. He brought others into their realm, gave them to guardians that would watch them until they were ready to return. It was good work and he never doubted its necessity. Yet he loved his charges too much to allow them to return, and some would be surprised to find out that he did not smile for weeks. His heart grew attached too quickly and detached too slowly, it seemed.
They had come to an agreement, him and the Quidam. He would allow the Quidam control of the realm. It was his job to leave it and find children to bring within it. For a while, this made him happy. He could spin and turn within the world of his wheel and never think of the world around him.
Soon, though, he began to miss them. The realm's entire purpose was to help children find their way. Without contributing to this cause, he felt at a loss. His smile was lost again but his wheel turned faster as he tried to work the desperation out. With one arm behind his back, he would allow the wheel to twist on the spinning floor, sometimes moving it back only to remove a leg. It was dangerous and he knew it.
Only the Quidam noticed his unhappiness, and in the privacy of the mists they came to another conclusion: he would forever on be the first to welcome the children into the realm. He would be their first experience after they had been given to their guides. His wheel, glinting in the light, it would be the first wonder they would encounter on their journey. To watch someone whose smile never disappeared would be a comfort to those that had quite violently been removed from their lives. Finally, he had a purpose that would not break his heart.
All of this he contemplated as he spun in his wheel. Another child had just arrived, having been assigned to John and Target. She was a small girl, no older than eleven. He thought he had heard her name was Zoe but did not focus on it. It was best not to become attached. Within his wheel, he moved both bands behind his back and allowed it to role. He watched her gasp in awe then relax when she saw the danger was not there. He saw a smile creep onto her lips before Target took her away.
With her smile still in his mind, he paused before rolling away. Yes, none would see him frown now. All in the realm would only know him as a smiling man and he would keep his secret, for after all the Quidam's world was not one unused to secrets. There was no need to do otherwise.
He had a purpose and that was simply enough.
