- Chapter 4 -

They enter an adorable fairytale style bedroom and one of the men is standing by her bed with a nightgown. Harmony is not fully with it and just giggles at the sight. Madame says in a soft voice, “Here my love, let us get you out of your clothes, it is time to rest.” Harmony is awake but of little use when it comes to preparing for bed, she is undressed and the man servants get her into the nightgown. They do not touch her inappropriately, they only touch her with the gentlest hands. They lay her on the bed delicately and she falls asleep immediately. The Madame leaves the room and the one man that was in the room prior to entering takes a seat in a chair. The other man leaves and the room is silent as Harmony sleeps. The man servant left in the room is awake for a while, just watching Harmony sleep, until he too falls into rest.

Harmony's eyes fling open and she is confused. She slowly sits up and looks around the room. She sees the man servant sleeping in the chair across from her and attempts to be as quiet as possible. As she stands to get out of bed she makes a loud creaking sound, but luckily the man did not move. She walks past a mirror and sees that her clothes have been changed. The nightgown is beautiful and full of lace and ruffles. She gives herself a little twirl and smiles at the mirror. She turns around to look for her clothes, they are folded and perfectly placed on the nightstand by her bed. Right on top, is her notebook, she picks it up and sits at the edge of the bed. She opens it and see’s her hand written thoughts, she runs her fingers down the page and looks up at the sleeping man once again. He seems to be asleep and she begins to shuffle through the pages. She stops on a page and begins to read quietly.

“Into the fire I walked.

Knowing damn well it was all talk.

How could I have been so naive.

To even fathom or believe.

Your words matched your intentions.

That you weren't one of the pretentious.

That I may actually be your precious.

Silly me, I was just your freshest.

You convinced me that you were right.

That there was no need for a fight.

Yet you, while alone at night.

Is the only thing that gives me a fright.

Liar, of the greatest esteem.

Destroying and false promises are the scheme.

I've caught you and you still won't admit.

That you are a lunatic.”

Harmony is quiet and looks back over at the man, he seems to still be asleep. She flips through more pages and stops again to read more. The man in fact has not been asleep and his eyes gently open as he patiently listens to Harmony read.

“Don't you see, this is why.

Why I keep myself from the world.

My true self.

The vulnerable, the impacted.

A sponge for knowledge

A sponge for hateful remarks.

No blame though. I'm no good.

Wearing the positivity mask, supporting those around.

Yet, when removed, I am weak.”

Harmony is crying through her words and pauses to wipe her tears. She closes the book and looks up to see the man was awake, just listening with a look of concern. Harmony is embarrassed and says, “I’m sorry, I just... Never mind.”The man says nothing, he only stands and lifts Harmony up off the bed so that he can hug her. He holds her tight and she allows his warmth. He lets go and hands her a new set of clothes. He smiles and leaves the room. Harmony is alone and sits back on the edge of the bed. Her tears continue as she releases her frustration. “Where the hell am I?” She gets no response and after a few minutes decides to get dressed. This dress is similar to first one she wore, except this one has beautiful embroidery on it. She picks her notebook off the bed and puts it in her apron pocket. She looks at herself in the mirror, takes a deep breath, and leaves the room.

The hallway is quiet, but she can smell something delicious coming from the kitchen. She follows the smell and it leads her to the Madame, who is seated back at the table. The men are in the kitchen preparing breakfast and Harmony takes her seat at the table where she had sat last night. Instead of the alcohol glass that was once there, a teacup is waiting in its place. The Madame is reading a book while she drinks her tea, she notices Harmony and opens conversation, “Good morning, how did you sleep” Harmony replies, “Great actually, I feel rested. But how did I get to bed?” The Madame shares, “We helped you.” “Hmm, I don’t remember” Madame giggles, “Alcohol has a funny way of blurring things. Are you hungry?” Harmony confused but accepts it and responds, “Yes, very much.” The Madame picks up her tea cup and tings it with a spoon, the men are at the table with their breakfast. Harmony’s eyes are wide and she thanks them, “Wow, this looks great. Thank you so much.” Madame gives her a stern look, “Stop thanking them, this is their job.” “I actually meant to you and them. Thanks for everything.” Madame smiles, “Oh of course my dear. That is what I am here for.” Harmony smiles and they begin to eat. The men leave the room and are back in the kitchen cleaning. Harmony breaks the silence, “I think I may go out and write in my journal after breakfast.” “A journal?” Madame asks. “Yes, it’s mostly poetry, just my thoughts. I thought I lost it actually, but I must have put it in my dress pocket and forgot about?” Madame smiles, “Lovely, of course, this place is to be whatever you want it to be.” Harmony giggles, “I can get used to that.” Madame smiles, “Oh I know you can. Just remember the men are here to help you.” They finish their breakfast and the men come to clean their place. Harmony stands and wipes her mouth. “That will take a little to get used to, but so far so good.” “That makes me happy, this is your home, if you want it to be!” Harmony smiles at Madame and then at the men. She heads outside to the garden.