Diner Doll 🍒 (Patreon)

The bell over the door jingled… and suddenly the diner felt different.

Milkshakes arrived without anyone remembering placing an order. Fresh, cold, piled high with vegan whipped cream and cherries. The jukebox lit up like it had been waiting for me all along. Even the vinyl seats seemed to soften, warmed by neon and something a little harder to explain.

I didn’t come here to eat.

I came to be seen.

Perched on chrome stools and pink booths, heels still on (always), I let the room orbit me, every reflection catching skin, lacquered lips, the glint of jewellery, the soft glow of pastel light. The floor clings slightly to every step, sweet with syrup and soda spills, a thousand late night stories trapped in the tiles.

Someone keeps refilling the milkshakes.

Someone keeps the music playing.

No one asks me to leave.

Maybe I’m the special tonight.

Maybe I’m the reason the lights stay on.

Maybe this place doesn’t really function without me anymore.

Sit close. Don’t touch unless invited.

And whatever you do…

Don’t let the cherry fall.