5. Forward
Look to the future,she tells herself. Look forward.
She's up to her elbows in water. It sloshes over the sides as she dunks the bloody shirt under the surface.
Mr. Todd taking her to the seaside for a well-deserved break…
The persistent bloodstain won't wash out no matter how hard she scrubs.
Mr. Todd confessing his love for her with the sea rolling gently behind him…
She mutters obscenities under her breath as the water soaks her dress, making the material cling uncomfortably to her in the heat of the bakehouse.
Mr. Todd kissing her on the sand…
"Mrs. Lovett!"
Mr. Todd taking her hand and showing them their lovely new home…
He's purposeful today. She isn't sure if it's better than that soul-destroying listlessness. "How am I to welcome customers without a clean shirt? I will not hang from the gallows before I've got my hands on the judge!"
Mr. Todd proposing to her, love in his eyes…
"This stain is a persistent bugger, Mr. T. I'm tryin' me 'ardest 'ere, but it just won't budge! I'll get it to ya just as soon as I can. Be patient, love."
The little church by the sea, with the lovely old priest…
He growls at her, slamming the door on his way out. Silence echoes.
Mrs. Lovett, finally Mrs. Todd…
She imagines Mr. Todd pacing above her head like a caged animal, the floorboards creaking angrily. The perfect wedding night…
If she doesn't repeat this mantra like her life depends on it, she fears she will go mad.
By the sea, Mr. Todd, that's the life I covet….
"Next time," she promises herself. "Next time."
Next time, Sweeney Todd will sweep her off her feet and make her dreams come true.
Just keep lookin' forward.