Hi everyone, this is my first story, so critique all you want.
My god, what's wrong with me?
It's that awful corset. Yes, it must be. Eighteen inches was just too much. I've read some things about those dreadful contraptions, that they might crush your organs. I thought it was a crazy idea, but that must be it. I should get one of those new health corsets, the new kind doesn't compress the body as much as what I'm used to.
That would be lovely, wouldn't it? Something not so constricting, not so binding, not so….no!
Never.
That would be admitting weakness. My job is to be strong, to never be vulnerable. I am the Sparkling Diamond. I don't back down. What was I thinking? No one would come to me if I looked like that. Beauty isn't easy, but I must do it. It must be endured; money doesn't grow on trees. I shouldn't let one little incident stop me from being beautiful. And it has always been in fashion to be a bit pale. For quite a while the new look was to appear as if you were dying…
Stop. STOP. I can't think morbid thoughts now; the show must go on. This happens to everyone sometimes. A little bit too much singing, a dress that's just a bit too tight. Only a little blood, nothing serious. It's quite common, isn't it?
Isn't it?
Then why did it only happen tonight, when I had done everything as I always do? Why is everyone staring at me like that? Why does Marie look so worried?
No. I have to stop thinking like that. But they do have the right to be worried. I have been tired and out of breath lately. I'm overworking myself. Performing and working every night would be too much for most women, I'm sure. Yes, there has simply been too much stress in my life.
And these damned corsets aren't helping.
Ah, yes. Just resting like this for a moment makes me feel so much better; I can breathe now. See? Nothing's wrong with me. Nothing at all.
On with the show.