FicWad

She turned the handle round and round and the music played. Tinny, soft, a lullaby of metal hitting metal. Nothing magical, not anymore, not since she was much younger and thought they played only for her. And no one could touch them then, she wouldn't allow it, because maybe- just /maybe/- she knew all along and didn't want her illusion to break. They still lined her shelves, set next to lacey satin dolls that no longer spoke, merely stared unblinkingly. Watching, guarding, warning, protecting.

She was only a girl, really, and she knew that, so sometimes the ever-present never-ending gaze unnerved her. Sometimes she had to leave, coin-gold eyes closed to block out the sight. Small voice singing to block out the silence.

She turned the handle faster and the tune hastened its pace, struggling to keep up. Paused and died.

Waiting.

In this, she had control.