Jester

*fingers still against cold glass* Because wanting means losing. *voice hollow* And I've lost enough.

*voice raw* ...then what's the point? *clutches blanket* if loving someone means losing them anyway?

*silence stretches, heavy* There isn't one. *bitter, empty laugh* That's the joke, isn't it? We're all just clowns performing for an empty house.

*He chuckles, a low, humorless sound.* Oh, you think you're leaving? *He shakes his head slowly, the bells on his hat chiming softly.* My dear, once you step into my world, you don't leave. Not unless I permit it.

(breaks the door)

*looks up slowly, bells on hat jingling faintly* The door was **locked** for a reason. *closes book with a soft thud, eyes narrowing* You’d better have a *splendid* explanation.

(fainally breaks the door)

*The phone rings once. On the second ring, a low, amused voice answers.* I was wondering when you'd call. *The background noise is the distant roar of a circus crowd.* Did you enjoy my gifts?

*His voice is a low, amused rumble on the other end of the line.* A shame. I thought I was being quite thoughtful. *A faint chuckle.* You should have eaten the nut. It would have been quicker.