How neatly the heart is folded in her spotted handkerchief. I know what she is waiting for: the right moment. It will herald itself with the following words and rests: "Tuck Me In"- 5 second rest- "Please Do It Soon"- 2 second rest- "Too Late". The next performer will nudge her and she'll hop on to the stage, unravel the handkerchief, and leave the beating mechanism for all (for all with good seats) to see. The curtain closes, the lights go out, she unravels it, switches it off, puts it in her handbag, puts her clothes back on, waits 10 minutes then leaves by the side-exit, ignoring the ongoing cheers and applause. People throw bills in the tub. One man slumps against the stage, an easy enough pillow, and remembers how sweet she looked. "I won't murmur" "I won't murmur" "I won't murmur" he murmured as he turned in his sleep.
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