Paper

A paper castle unfolds before her

a world of wonder, magic and mystery

The girl hesitates but soon finds herself unlocking the secrets of this strange castle

She tiptoes through the halls until she comes across a room fit for a princess

She rummages through the closet to find the perfect dress but hears her mother calling

The girl quickly flees the castle and heads to the kitchen for lunch.

A boy watches as the girl shyly approaches him at school

In her hand is the one question she’s been dying to ask him

She holds out her hand and the paper unfolds before him

‘Do you like me’ 

Check ‘yes’ or ‘no’

The boy shrugs and stuffs the paper in his pocket.

The girl later returns to the paper castle, her eyes flushed with tears

Her head rests on a garden bench as she weeps

A tall figure casts a shadow 

The girl turns only to become face to face with the boy 

He is dressed like a prince and invitingly sticks out his hand 

They dance until the ballroom lights grow dim

It is time for bed.

The girl paces by the mailbox awaiting the delivery of an important letter

Her hands are held behind her back 

She twiddles her thumbs

The grass beneath her feet has gone limp

The words written on this piece of paper could change her life.

She runs inside to seek comfort from the paper castle

But the gates are closed as it suffocates on the bookshelf

The girl runs her finger along the book’s spine 

Collecting dust on her finger, she weeps. 

She hears the mail truck slitch to a stop

Glancing out the window, she catches a glimpse of a hand 

The mouth of the mailbox opens and closes swallowing the letter she's been waiting for

Wiping her eyes with her sleeve, the girl nervously walks out to the mailbox 

Her future begins to unfold.