I danced until my high-heeled shoe broke. So I paused, kicked both shoes into the grass and continued.

Anne tried to stop me, but I ignored her like I usually do. Poor Anne, always so serious. Never taking the time to just stop and enjoy the simple pleasures. She stood there for a moment, staring at me in disbelief. Before too long, Grace ran up to her, yelled something in her ear, and dragged her away. I wasn’t paying much attention. I was dancing.

Jack arrived next, yelling at me. It was all so loud, I couldn’t hear a word he said. I just smiled and continued spinning. The music was wonderful. The rhythms, the tones of an entire planet that only I could hear. He came closer, screaming in panic. For a moment I thought he might hit me. But he didn’t. Jack never would. With a look of disgust, he spat on my broken shoe and ran off to join the others.

The music grew louder.

The crashing…breaking…screaming. A world torn asunder.

Nothing else mattered now.

The Rendering was here.

I smiled, and danced.