Diva in the World of Seebeedoos

It was 10 PM when Rosselaine was about to pull her blanket up, ready to sleep---when suddenly, she heard a strange sound coming from the closet. A tapping noise, small but firm.

Thump tap tap, Thump tap tap, Thump tap tap. It sounded like drumming. A 6/8 rhythm, as if someone was playing drums inside the closet. But how could that be? The wardrobe was small---barely enough for an adult to stand in.

Rosselaine stepped closer, slowly opened the door---and gasped. A tiny creature---perhaps a dwarf, or an Oompa Loompa, or whatever you'd call it---about the size of a thumb, was inside the closet, happily playing a miniature drum.

Rosselaine froze in disbelief. The little drummer looked up, raised one thick brow, and said,"Hey, you. Why are you just standing there? Hurry up, Rosselaine. You're on next!"

She stood still, a thousand questions filling her mind. As she looked around the tiny drummer, she realized he wasn't alone.

There were more of them---many more. A crowd, an audience, even what seemed like event organizers. It was a whole tiny town inside her closet!

They looked like ants compared to her size. There's no way she could enter that world... or could she?

From afar, another tiny figure noticed Rosselaine still standing at the doorway, holding the closet open. Struggling, he climbed up one drawer after another while carrying a shimmering purple liquid. He handed it to Rosselaine without a word.

She hesitated. They stared at each other.

Growing impatient, the little man frowned and said, "Here, drink this already. Don't act like this is your first time. Hurry up, you're on soon. The Seebeedoos hate waiting."

Seebeedoos? That's what they're called? Cute name... but should I drink this? she wondered.

Then the crowd started chanting: "Rosselaine, Rosselaine, Rosselaine~"

Closing her eyes, she gulped down the purple liquid in one swift motion.

Suddenly... her eyes glowed purple. She shrank---now the same size as the Seebeedoos. The once-tiny stage now looked grand. The band began to play the intro...

The little man who gave her the drink stepped into the spotlight and announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for---please welcome Rosselaine!"

Shocked, but delighted, Rosselaine took a deep breath. The intro of La Vie en Rose played. She wore the same elegant dress from her dreams. She gripped the mic, closed her eyes, and began to sing:

"When you press me to your heart
 I'm in a world apart, a world where roses bloom
 And when you speak, angels sing from above
 Everyday words seem to turn into love songs
 Give your heart and soul to me
 And life will always be La Vie En Rose"

The performance was flawless. A full orchestra accompanied her, soft and majestic. She did it. Rosselaine had become a diva on a dreamlike stage, welcomed by hundreds of enchanted fans. Roses were thrown one by one toward the stage---she caught one of them.

Like a true diva, she smiled and waved. One hand in the air, the other gently clutching the rose, inhaling its sweet scent.

A Seebeedoo from the front row shouted,"We'll remember you, singer from the upper world!!!"

After the show, Rosselaine walked backstage. The band members hugged her one by one, as if she'd always been part of them.

The same Seebeedoo who had given her the magic drink appeared again, "Well, this is it. End of tonight's story. See you tomorrow night, diva." he said, offering her the sparkling purple liquid again.

Rosselaine hesitated. She almost drank it... but paused. "Wait... what's your name?" she asked.

The little man was surprised. She had never asked that before. Usually, she drank it and everything reset. Still, he kept his calm. 

"Saltho. My name is Saltho."

"Salto? Like... the backflip kick move in soccer in Bahasa? No offense, that's an odd name," Rosselaine replied, squinting.

Saltho smiled faintly and nodded. He didn't deny it. He simply waited for her to drink, eyes fixed on her as she examined the potion and slowly shook her head.

"Oh, no. She's starting to suspect," Saltho thought.

Breaking the silence, he tried to keep the mood light, "Well, Rosselaine. As I've told you a dozen times, my name has an H---Saltho, not Salto. Come on, don't waste my time. You know very well how tight our schedule is. Performances from one closet to another. You're wasting my rest time."

Though he sounded stern, there was no trace of command in his voice---more like a friend familiar with an old friend's stubborn habits.

Rosselaine didn't answer. She studied the glowing liquid again. It looked like purple cabbage tea... but with a strange turmeric-like smell. Beautiful, yet revolting. Her tongue recoiled at the thought of it sliding down her throat.

"You said earlier I looked scared like someone who had never been here before. Have I really done this before, Saltho? Strange... Why don't I remember anything?"

Saltho began to panic.

"If she doesn't drink it tonight," he thought, "everything... will fall apart."

TO BE CONTINUED