VI- The Crown

Startled. How could this His blood all over

Blood. have happened? my hands, dripp

Four. No time at all. ing slowly off my fingertips. He is so cold. The only one who understood me. The only one who will ever understand me is dead & gone forever. And I am to take his place? How fortuitous. The thing I thought I wanted the most – title, kingdom, revenge – all wrapped up in a tiny little box ready for me to pick up. And I don’t want it anymore. You, Hamlet, that’s who I wanted. You and your baggage along with mine. Two peas in a pod you and I would have been. Neither madness nor fear would have overcome us if we were by each other’s side. You were the only sunlight in my life, but now I feel darkness creeping in. The Crown is all that is left for me now – but do I take it? It was to be yours sweet brother, so do I wear it in remembrance of you or as a reparation for the death of my brave father? Or neither. No! I can’t accept. My heart weeps with silent tears but I don’t deserve your throne. My place is with my uncle, safe, secure, duty bound, away from tragedy, away from you. I will turn away and never look back. Without you, I must learn what it means to be one without my other half. On my own, I alone will learn how to be Fortinbras, king of nothing.

“Stripes” Belle Smith

Jack Guinan Coy Dish