Elizabeth sat in the sterile room, a space that tried too hard to feel cheerful.
The walls were painted in bright, happy colors, pink, yellow, blue, and purple, yet the artificial cheer didn't fully mask the reality of her surroundings.
Her feet sank into the plush carpet, the cozy fluff of her socks soothing against her skin. The air was warm, almost stifling, but it carried the sweet aroma of cookies and marshmallows, a comforting touch meant to put her at ease.
She wore a stunning pink gown, soft silk adorned with delicate ribbons and bows, flowing like liquid luxury. A tiara sat proudly atop her head, its glitter catching the warm light.
On the small tea table before her, a cup of the finest Chinese tea steamed invitingly, its rich aroma mingling with the sugary scent of the room.
Everything was perfect.
Her makeup, done with the finest floral-themed palette, highlighted her features with an ethereal glow. She held a handheld mirror, admiring her reflection with a satisfied hum. "Beautiful," she murmured to herself, enchanted by the image staring back at her.
The spell was broken when the door opened, and her doctor stepped in. He wore his usual white coat, his presence calming yet tinged with unspoken concern.
Elizabeth's heart fluttered as she watched him. Every time this man visited, she couldn't help but hope he was her Prince Charming.
He was tall, his black hair perfectly tousled, and his blue eyes a shade so vivid they seemed to hold entire oceans.
He settled into the chair across from her as she gently stroked her white Cheshire cat, Darling, who purred contentedly in her lap, its oversized pink bow looking almost comically regal.
On the TV in the background, Princess Aurora danced through the forest, birds chirping merrily as Elizabeth smiled at her visitor.
"Hello, handsome doctor," she greeted, her voice light and melodic.
He smiled warmly, a rare expression that sent a thrill through her. "You look happy today," he said softly.
She nodded, picking up a sparkling baby blue box from the table. "Oh yes! Today, my custom glass slippers arrived," she said with a delighted gasp.
The doctor listened quietly as she opened the box, revealing the delicate shoes nestled inside. "I've been waiting for weeks," she said, her tone playful. "You know, they don't allow us to have phones here. Such a bummer! I couldn't even track the delivery."
His gaze remained gentle as he replied, "I'm glad they finally arrived."
Elizabeth beamed, carefully placing the slippers back in their box. "So am I!"
He sighed softly, scribbling notes into her folder. "Elizabeth, who were you trying to call with a phone?"
She tilted her head, her expression innocent. "Oh, I don't know. But my heart kept dialing this number—1-900-567-890—over and over again."
The doctor's pen paused for a fraction of a second before he resumed. "Have you had any... unwanted thoughts recently? Anything negative?"
She giggled, a sound so light and carefree it almost masked the weight of her words. "Oh yes, a silly thought that I once had a husband who cheated on me." She laughed again, dismissing the idea with a wave of her hand. "But that's ridiculous, isn't it? I've never been married. If I had, surely I'd remember!"
His gaze darkened, sadness clouding his brilliant blue eyes. Elizabeth frowned, tilting her head. "Are you sad because I said I don't have a husband?"
He didn't answer, simply observing her with a mix of emotions she couldn't quite decipher.
"Well," she continued brightly, "I have a dream that one day, my Prince Charming will come. He'll look just like you, black hair, blue eyes, and a smile that could melt the coldest heart!" She clapped her hands together and squealed. "And we'll share true love's first kiss!"
Overwhelmed with joy, she stood, twirling around the room with Darling cradled in her arms. The sound of Aurora dancing with her prince echoed from the TV, weaving seamlessly into her fantasy.
As she spun, she thought she heard him murmur, "This reminds me why I fell in love with you."
She stopped mid-twirl, turning to face him, but he was gone.
Elizabeth paused, holding Darling close, a wistful smile on her lips.
"It must have been the wind," she whispered to herself, and resumed her dance, lost in her perfect, fragile paradise.