Circus Act | Dan & Phil

Introduction

A flurry of rain pattered against the window as the circus train reached the cold, wet city of London. It was nothing new to Dan; he had been to London many times in the past 10 years and almost every single time it had been raining. He watched the rain drip down the window as his head vibrated against it. It wasn't comfortable, but he wouldn't dare rest his head on 'Strong Steve' (also know as just Steve), who would probably push him away and call him a faggot. Staring at the alder trees, Dan felt a sense of comfort. Nature was calming to him, especially trees and plants. He would sometimes try sketching them in his notepad since he had nothing else to do. Dan was the loner of the circus group. His friends Kiko and Roze (named the best contortionists in the UK in 2008) were always too busy rehearsing to talk to him. Untalented, useless and unwanted; that's what he thought about himself and that's what he thought others thought about him.

Fortunately, every morning joyful music would play, making him almost excited to start the day. However, nothing ever really made him happy. His overwhelming depression would sometimes leave him crying alone in his bedroom listening to the radio. Surprisingly, the circus owner cared a lot about Dan, and offered to give him therapy. As this was Dan's only hope, he accepted it."Only time will tell if this works" the circus owner (Noel) told him on the first day. After a few sessions, he felt somewhat happier and decided to continue the therapy for as long as he needed. 

"We're nearly here!" exclaimed Zack, one of the 'tiny jugglers'. 'Tiny jugglers' were just children who were talented at juggling. Dan smiled weakly at him, then went back to looking out of the window.

"Have you never been to London?" asked Steve curiously, looking up from his 'Men's Fitness' magazine.  Zack shook his head quickly. 

"I want to meet the queen!" he announced eagerly. Steve chuckled and patted Zack on the head. Noel walked up to Zack and took his hand gently. He looked down and smiled at him.

"Don't get too excited, we still have a few miles until we get into the city. Come sit down, I'll tell you about all the adventures I've had in London" he said happily. Giggling with excitement, Zack followed Noel down the corridor. Steve smiled widely as he watched Zack skip down the corridor, then went back to reading his magazine.

"I don't know how children have the energy to be excited about everything" Dan murmured. Steve tutted and nudged Dan in the ribs. He didn't react.

"Don't be so depressing Daniel" Steve complained as he flicked the page of his magazine. Dan sighed and slouched even more into his chair. He continued to glare out of the window, thinking about how much longer he would have to put up with himself being like this.