[Verse]
Charlene Cradle’s got a headset on
Selling pickles to the great unknown
The lights all buzz like little griefs
Her chair still screams in disbelief
[Verse]
Some guy’s yelling ’bout the vinegar tang
She mutes the call and checks her fangs
She dreams of loot and swords and thieves
Where no one calls her “Charlene”
[Chorus]
But pickles pay the rent, she sighs
And keeps her spirit digitized
She raids at night with “Vinland” online
He’s funny, weird, and never lies
Pickles pay the rent, she knows
So Monday morning, back she goes
[Verse]
She’s got a coffee mug from “Blightfall’s Gate”
And a mom who thinks she’s still eight
Hangs up mid-spiel just to breathe
Imagining dragons in the ceiling beams
[Chorus]
Yeah, pickles pay the rent, somehow
Though all her joy feels backend now
Vinland sent a meme today
A wizard falling off a cow
She laughed out loud and scared the guy
Who asked her what the pickles buy
[Bridge]
No one calls her Charlie here
Only forms and fiscal fear
But she’s got games and late night chats
And if she’s lucky—
a life past that
[Final Chorus]
Pickles pay the rent, she hums
The days go by like chewing gum
She wonders if she’s meant for more
Than stats and jars and keeping score
Pickles pay the rent, for now
But maybe there’s a way somehow...
Verse 1]
There’s a bell above the diner door
It rings like it always has before
Same chipped mug, same crooked seat
Same perfume on Lisette, way too sweet
She says, “Hey girl! You look tired today”
Charlie shrugs, but she hears anyway
Just another Monday in disguise
Pouring sugar into alibis
[Verse 2]
Pickle calls start at one o’ five
She’ll be fake-happy and dead inside
Lisette laughs with a customer’s child
Charlie watches, forces half a smile
The world’s too loud, but also thin
Like she’s outside, looking in
Wants to be more than just polite
Wants to feel something real, maybe tonight
[Bridge]
And she wonders what it’s like
To live out loud, to burn that bright
But she keeps her questions to herself
Adds a creamer, stirs it well
[Outro]
At Anna’s Place, the coffee’s cheap
The light is kind, the silence deep
And in the window’s hazy glare
She thinks she sees someone who cares
[Verse 1]
“Thank you for holding,” I start to recite,
“Would you mind taking a survey tonight?”
Pickle preferences, five minutes or less…
Another call to nowhere, I confess.
[Verse 2]
“I’ll answer your pickle thing,” he said,
“But first — tell me straight, was I outta my head?”
“I flipped out when my friend frowned at my lunch.
Just a sandwich! Cold cuts! What’s the big fuss?”
[Verse 3]
I blinked at the screen, unsure what to say.
This wasn’t in training — not in any way.
He waited in silence, then cleared his throat,
And gave me a line I’ll never misquote:
[Chorus]
“I make a damn good sandwich, kid
Turkey, mayo, two slices thick.
If you can’t find joy in your own creation,
What’s the point of the whole operation?”
[Bridge]
He said: “Purpose ain’t a paycheck, or fame on a screen
It’s what gets you out of bed for the in-between.”
He bit into bliss like a priest with a wafer,
Chewed slow, and whispered, “That’s flavour.:
[Chorus]
“I make a damn good sandwich, kid
Turkey, mayo, two slices thick.
If you can’t find joy in your own creation,
What’s the point of the whole operation?”
[Verse 5]
The line went dead, but his words held on,
Like a dream you forget and remember at dawn.
I stared at my desk, this life I endure…
And wrote “find a passion” in the pickle brochure.
[Verse 1]
Signed up for a yoga class, lasted seven minutes
Tried knitting but stabbed myself twice, I’ll admit it
Thought I might be the next great poet —
Rhymed “love” with “shove” and decided to forgo it
[Verse 2]
Took a spin class, cried by the third rotation
Enrolled in a samurai sword demonstration
Meant to bow but instead I swung
Sliced a man’s beard clean off his tongue
[Pre-Chorus 1]
Is it too late to reinvent myself?
Am I stuck on this invisible shelf?
[Chorus 1]
I’ve made a list of everything I’m not
But passion’s a thing I haven’t quite caught
Could I be more than pickles and calls?
Maybe I’m someone who just stumbles and crawls
[Verse 3]
On my way home, head down and spinning
I tripped on the curb — a not-so-graceful beginning
Fell into someone, spilled my drink on his coat
He caught my elbow, smiled, cleared his throat
[Verse 4]
"Name's Rowan, and you’ve just declared war,” he joked with a grin
I mumbled, “Sorry — rough day, not sure where to begin…”
He was gorgeous and smiling — my thoughts turned to trickles
I said "My name is Charlie Cradle… and I hate pickles.”
[Bridge]
He laughed like it meant something only he could see
Handed a card and said, “Call me — if you ever get free
I like diners, dead languages… and LOLcats.”
And just like that, my heart tripped on its tracks
[Pre-Chorus 2]
What if I don’t need a label or plan?
Just a reason to start, not a perfect end
[Chorus 2]
I’ve made a list of everything I’m not
But maybe that’s not what matters a lot
I’m tired of waiting for lightning to strike
Maybe I’ll try just living — and see what I like
[Outro]
Maybe I don’t need a checklist at all
Maybe what finds me… is worth the fall
[Verse 1]
Logged in late, headphones on tight
Pixel sky fading into night
Just me and Vinland in a crumbling town
Trading loot and stories to calm me down
[Verse 2]
He typed, “You good?” I said, “Rough day.”
He said, “Want to slay things or just run away?”
We camped by the fire in a glitchy ravine
He tossed me a potion and a jelly bean
[Pre-Chorus]
Tom always knows when I need a break
Without saying much, without asking what’s fake
[Chorus]
He’s just a name on a screen, a sword at my side
But I think he’s seen more of me than most ever tried
He joked, “If he ghosts you, I’ll be your rebound mage”
And I laughed so hard I had to alt-tab my rage
[Verse 3]
He said, “So, tomorrow… your big mystery date?”
I said, “Yeah, I’m already preparing to be late.”
He wrote, “Hope he sees what a rare drop you are.”
Then changed the subject to goblins on Mars
[Pre-Chorus 2]
He always slips truth between sarcasm lines
I pretend I don’t notice — most of the time
[Chorus 2]
Just a name on a screen, a quest through the dark
But his voice in my headset leaves a warmer mark
I said, “Wish me luck,” he replied with a shrug
“Unless he brings pickles — then squash him like a bug.”
[Outro]
Log out screen, music low
Tom’s still online, moving slow
He never asks for more than I give
But I wonder sometimes… what if?
[Verse 1]
Bell over the door sings, I walk in slow
Breath fogs the window, hands tucked below
Wore the only nice shirt I own with pride
Trying not to look like I just barely tried
[Verse 2]
Then he walks in, and wow, okay
Looks like confidence dressed in a sunray
He waves — I freeze — then awkwardly wave back
Pretty sure I just spilled sugar from the snack rack
[Chorus]
It’s happening — it’s real — this isn’t a drill
I’m talking to someone who gives me a thrill
He’s not from a rom-com, he’s awkward and kind
And something about him is blowing my mind
[Verse 3]
He folds a napkin, flips it once or twice
Suddenly there’s a flower beside my rice
I stammer, “How’d you—” and he just grins wide
“Magic,” he whispers — and I swear I nearly died
Then Lisette swings by like she’s on patrol
“Charlie on a date? Girl, bless my soul!”
[Chorus]
It’s happening — and I think I could stay
For the first time in ages, I’m okay in this day
He tells a dumb pun, and I laugh like a fan
Then knock over water while reaching for jam
[Bridge]
He tells me he’s been wandering a while
Says my eyes have a “don’t mess with me” style
I blush, I laugh, and spill some more tea
He says, “That’s fine. I like you messy.”
[Chorus]
It’s happening — we’re weird, but we fit
Like a glitch in the code you’re happy to hit
Maybe we’re broken or half-built dreams
But we’re right in this moment — or so it seems
It’s happening — I’m finally seen
Not a background blur, but a spark in-between
A little less lonely, a little more bright
One awkward diner date into the night
[Verse 1]
Woke to a knock, sharp and low
Sun wasn’t up, the clock moved slow
My mouth was dry, heart skipped a beat
Felt something heavy moving under my feet
[Verse 2]
Not the kind of knock that means “just forgot keys”
This was metal and leather and no apologies
I crept down the hall, blanket wrapped tight
Looked through the peephole and swallowed my fright
[Chorus 1]
She stepped through the door like it owed her rent
Boots on the floor, perfume like flint
Didn’t ask in, didn’t glance around
Just sat on my couch like she owned the town
[Verse 3]
Eyes like ink and a jaw like steel
She said nothing, just looked, just let me feel
The tension crawl up my spine like a wire
Then she saw the card on my fridge and smiled like fire
[Chorus 2]
She said, “They always leave crumbs, just enough to track
Think they’re ghosts with charm, but I bring them back
You're not the first girl to get swept in a spin
But you should know what storm you're standing in.”
[Bridge]
She picked up Rowan’s card, turned it slow
Traced the letters like a name she used to know
Then looked at me, all sharp and still
Said, “You’ve got time — but not until…”
[Final Chorus]
“…he runs out again and leaves you cold
You’ll wonder what’s truth and what’s been sold
You’ll think you’re the start, but you’re part of the tale
So tell him I came — Roxy’s on his trail.”
She dropped a card on the table, no smile, no cheer
Then vanished like smoke, leaving just her fear
And the room felt louder, though no one spoke
Like the knock had opened something that never quite closed
[Outro]
I stared at the door long after she’d gone
Like her boots left a bruise that lingered on
The kettle hissed, but I couldn’t move
What if she’s right? What if I’ve been fooled?
What kind of man runs with shadows so near?
And what have I done — bringing him here?
I held Rowan’s card like it might burn through
And whispered, “What are you, really? And what did I do?”
[Verse]
Met him by the willow trees in old June Park
The wind traced circles through light and dark
I wore all my questions like armour on my sleeves
He sat down slowly, like he planned to stay and breathe
[Verse]
He said, “Not all stories fit neat in a line
I’ve made mistakes that echo down time
But I’m no danger to you, if that’s what you fear
I came to this world just to disappear”
[Chorus]
Then he knelt in the grass with a hand to the ground
And a sunflower bloomed without making a sound
He said, “Magic’s real — but so is trust
I won’t run anymore, if I must.”
[Verse]
I watched it sway, alive in gold and green
Too strange to deny, too calm to be a dream
I asked if he was some kind of druid or sage
He smiled like someone who forgot his own age
[Verse]
Then from a handful of amber leaves
He shaped a girl that looked like me
She danced on the wind for a breath or two
Before she crumbled — and the wind blew through
[Chorus]
He said, “You don’t have to follow, don’t need to decide
But I want you to know, I’ve got nothing to hide
If you walk away now, I won’t chase or grieve—
But I hope you remember… the flower and leaves.”
[Bridge]
I’d never seen beauty spun out of air
Never met someone who’d actually care
Enough to show magic not for awe or pride
But to say, “This is me — no lies to hide.”
[Chorus]
He said, “You don’t have to follow, don’t need to decide
But I want you to know, I’ve got nothing to hide
If you walk away now, I won’t chase or grieve—
But I hope you remember… the flower and leaves.”
[Chorus]
I won’t pretend to know what fate believes
But I hope you remember… the flower and leaves
If you walk away now, I’ll still be the breeze—
And I hope you remember… the flower and leaves
[Verse 1]
There’s a sunflower in my memory, still fresh from June Park
Its petals glowed like candlelight, soft and sharp
I came home floating, coat still damp with dew
The world felt bigger, and somehow… so did I too
[Verse 2]
Booted up the game, let the screen bloom wide
My mage stood waiting with fire at her side
She always looked cooler than me — braver, bold
But today, she felt like a mirror I could hold
[Verse 3]
Cast a fireball at a monster, watched it blaze
Laughed out loud — hadn’t done that in days
Spun a frost spell just to watch it glow
Typed “lol” in chat with nowhere to go
[Verse 4]
Then a whisper from Vinland lit up the screen
"Looks like your wizard thing’s going pretty clean.”
I typed back quick, some dumb joke in reply
But my fingers paused when I read his next “hi.”
[Verse 5]
He said, “You seem different. Like lighter somehow.”
I joked, “I learned to set demons on fire — for now.”
He replied with a pause… then a quiet “Cool.”
Like he wanted to ask more, but followed the rule
[Verse 6]
I stared at the chat, my heart flickering low
Like I’d just skipped a beat I didn’t know
There’s magic in flowers, in flames and disguise
But some kinds of warmth come with watching eyes
[Verse 7]
And maybe I’m standing where two roads meet
One burns bright — the other’s soft, sweet
Not sure which world holds the better spark
But I feel them both kindling somewhere in the dark
[Verse 1]
Rowan said, “Burgers and fries, nothing fancy or wild”
We strolled to The Fisherman’s Corner — I smiled
My heart wore heels, even if my boots did not
First real date with a someone I hoped was a lot
[Verse 2]
We wandered through side streets, his hand brushed mine
Talked about old songs and conspiracy signs
He grinned, “Tried a charm spell once — it worked on a queen”
I said, “Use one on me and I’ll make a scene.”
[Verse 3]
It felt like a date from a simpler page
No spells, no shadows, no demons to cage
Just me and him and the city light
Then we turned the wrong corner… and things weren’t right
[Verse 4]
She stood like a rumour with boots on the brick
Roxy, in leather, her grin cruel and slick
She raised one brow like she'd waited all year
And said, “Evening, lovebirds. Fancy seeing you here.”
[Chorus 1]
He grabbed my hand and the world went gold
Symbols flew like sparks uncontrolled
A wall of light, a breath, a dash —
And suddenly everything turned to flash
[Verse 5]
We ran like fire was licking our heels
Through puddles and side streets and spinning wheels
I laughed and I gasped, my heart in my throat
He asked, “You okay?” I just nodded, “Almost.”
[Chorus 2]
The air smelled like sulfur, neon, and gin
We stood at a doorway I’d never been in
A crimson door thumped with a heartbeat sound
He said, “If he’s still mad, we’re nightclub-bound.”
[Outro]
He knocked twice and held my gaze
I asked nothing. Just stepped through the haze.
Red’s world waited… behind that door
Our simple night out? Not simple anymore.
[Verse 1]
We ducked from the rain, heartbeats loud
Red’s was waiting — smoke, neon, and crowd
He opened the door like a spell being cast
Said, “Stay close. Red owes me — from way in the past.”
[Verse 2]
Red slinked from the dark like a man made of flame
Horned in his shadow, but none knew his name
He said, “Rowan Astaire — you’ve got brass to show here.”
Rowan said, “Just need a favour. Then we disappear.”
[Pre-Chorus]
He touched my wrist, whispered, “Be still. Be smart.”
“I’ll cast the shield. Don’t let down your guard.”
Then he vanished — out the back, into smoke
Leaving me alone with the devil in a velvet coat
[Chorus 1]
Red smiled wide, poured whiskey till it lapped
Said, “I’ve got hell in my bones and Heaven on my back”
The lights blinked slower, the floor hummed low
He raised his glass and said, “To the girl I don’t know.”
[Verse 3]
“I’m fine,” I said, not wanting a taste
He chuckled, “Come on — don’t let it waste.”
The rim touched my lips. The burn was deep.
One sip turned the music into a liquid sweep.
[Bridge]
Velvet laughter curled into flame
Tables twisted, no one looked the same
The room stretched sideways, I tried to stand
Red was already snapping his hand
[Chorus 2]
He said, “She’s all yours, girls — give her the suite
Make her feel royal from her head to her feet
Rowan’s always been trouble, but he pays his dues
Tonight, this mortal gets a taste of the truth.”
[Outro]
Fingers under my arms, perfume thick in the air
A voice like velvet: “Darlin’, don’t be scared…”
Red’s grin burned bright, like a brand on my chest
Then the dark rose up — and I sank into rest.
[Verse 1]
Velvet walls, soft as breath
Laughter thick with hints of death
Black lace ceiling, gold-dust air
I float between three velvet chairs
[Verse 2]
One wears black, her smile is smoke
One hums in purple, soft as a choke
One has lips like ocean blue
Says, “Sweet little thing, let’s unmake you.”
[Bridge 1]
Fingers trace my arms like vines
Their voices braid into nursery rhymes
“You kissed a prince, now pay the toll
We’ll peel the hope right from your soul.”
[Verse 3]
Then the door burst open like judgment day
His hands glowed blue — the walls gave way
"Enough," he roared, "you’ve had your fun."
The air turned sharp, the shadows spun
[Bridge 2]
Flashes of blue cut the dark like knives
Screams curled backward, not quite alive
The black one shrieked, the purple flew
The blue one whispered, “He's come for you.”
Walls cracked open, the lights went blind
Rowan stood like wrath unlined
He shouted words that broke the air
And flung them all like ghosts through prayer
[Final Verse]
He caught me gently, said my name
My lips were numb, my knees were flame
The room dissolved, the dark pulled near
I whispered, “Rowan…” then disappeared
[Outro]
Black turned to blue
The world turned thin
And all I could feel
Was the warmth of him.
[Verse 1]
I woke to the sunlight, too bright for my eyes
The kind that pretends nothing broke in the night
Shoes by the door, coat on the chair
But magic still shimmered like smoke in the air
[Verse 2]
There on the table, a note left behind
In hurried handwriting, a tremble in lines
He said he was sorry, that demons don’t bluff
That even with magic, you learn when it’s rough
[Pre-Chorus 1]
He said he had cared, that he got me away
But splinters of wonder still cut where they stay
[Chorus 1]
Is this the life I really need?
Firelight kisses and shadowed deeds
He meant well — he did — but danger won’t pray
And I'm not sure I'm safe enough to stay
[Verse 3]
I thought of my game, and Vinland’s dumb jokes
The coffee shop chatter, my regular folks
Lisette rolling eyes, my parents back home
The parts of my life I still called my own
[Pre-Chorus 2]
I wanted enchantment, to feel something more
But not at the cost of sleep on the floor
[Chorus 2]
Is this the trade for feeling alive?
To barter my calm for chaos and knives
He was kind, he was brave — but the skies still looked gray
And my heart whispered: Run — not safe enough to stay
[Bridge – instrumental]
[Final Chorus]
I’ll miss the way he made stars feel close
But fear is a flower that quietly grows
I packed up my thoughts, made peace with the ache
And turned from the magic… for my own sake
[Verse 1]
Woke up early, made my bed
Brushed out the chaos in my head
Lisette poured coffee, raised a brow
Said, “You look like you’ve got purpose now”
I smiled and said, “Just taking it slow”
She said, “Damn, Charlie, you’re starting to glow”
[Verse 2]
Back at my cubicle, headset in hand
Thought I’d reclaim this no-dream land
But there at the desk by the paper tray
Was Roxy. Smirking. Like she planned the whole day.
Clipboard in hand, all corporate chic —
Said, “I’m your new boss. Isn’t that neat?”
[Refrain]
Just one normal day, that’s all I ask
Not villain in disguise or a sinister task
[Chorus]
This is my life — surreal and absurd
Trading dreams for surveys, wings for a word
I just want peace, maybe toast and a tea
But instead I’m the lead in a pickle tragedy
[Verse 3]
My first call in, a sweet old man
Wanted to chat about pickle brands
But suddenly — BUZZZZ — a swarm in my face
Flies in my headset, flies in my space
“Sir, please hold!” I cried and swore
While Roxy waved from the breakroom door
[Verse 4]
I slapped at bugs, cursed loud and hot
Old man gasped — “Young lady, what?!”
Phone slammed down. Head went thunk.
One normal day… and I flunked
[Chorus]
Called to the office, the air all stale
Mr. Director, half pickled, half pale
Said, “We’re a family here — we ride the tide
Mistakes are fine, unless they’re amplified”
He tapped the jar that hid his gin
Said, “Take a week off. Come back fresh… and thin.”
[Verse 5
“Well well well,” Roxy said in singsong tones
“Seems this pickle queen’s lost her throne
Give my best to Rowan, sweet little seed
You’ll beg me for mercy before I concede”
[Verse 6]
Back at my desk, packing up shame
One week’s suspension, no one to blame
Just me and my thoughts and a half-full cup
Thinking, Maybe I’ve finally messed this one up
[Outro]
Guess I’m calling my mom.
God help me.
[Verse 1]
Rowan showed up just past seven
With spaghetti steam in the air
Mom called him handsome, offered bread
Dad just grinned from his chair
She made him sit and tell our story
While I shrank inside my skin
She called me Charlene — I nearly died
He just laughed and settled in
[Verse 2]
Later on the veranda swing
I thought maybe he’s not what I want him to be
Maybe I made it all up
So I could feel like more than me
But then he looked out at the sky
And said, “You want the truth tonight?”
And the world got still
As he gave me a glimpse of light
[Chorus]
“I’m not a wizard — I’m faerie-born
Not of this earth, but tired and worn
I came for your storms, your breaking days
Your fleeting joys, your human ways
I gave up forever to feel the fall
I wanted to know if it mattered at all”
[Verse 3]
He told me of kings with eyes like glass
Of courts where silence sings
Of beauty so deep it forgets to end
And pain that never clings
But he said it’s passion that brought him here
That mortals burn and strive
And in every ending you ever fear
You prove you are alive
[Chorus]
“I’m not a wizard — I’m faerie-born
Not of this earth, but tired and worn
I came for your storms, your breaking days
Your fleeting joys, your human ways
I gave up forever to feel the fall
I wanted to know if it mattered at all”
[Bridge]
I thought of my job, my screen-lit nights
Of coffee gone cold, and missed delights
I thought of how I never really tried
But maybe living meant being terrified
And still choosing to stay
[Chorus]
“I’m not a wizard — I’m faerie-born
Not of this earth, but tired and worn
I came for your storms, your breaking days
Your fleeting joys, your human ways
I gave up forever to feel the fall
I wanted to know if it mattered at all
“I’m not a wizard — I’m faerie-born
Not of this earth, but tired and worn
I came for your storms, your breaking days
Your fleeting joys, your human ways
I gave up forever to feel the fall
I wanted to know if it mattered at all”
[Outro]
Maybe falling is how we begin to fly.
[Verse 1]
The rain had stopped, the night was clear
The spaghetti pots had cooled
I thought we’d get a quiet night
But fate’s a reckless fool
Then came the rev of an engine's roar
Like thunder on the street
Roxy pulled up, all black leather and smirk
And boots that broke the peace
Mom and Dad had left for a movie date
Which was lucky, come to think
‘Cause what followed next in that quiet cul-de-sac
Would drive a sane soul to drink
[Verse 2]
She sauntered to the lawn like war was owed
And cracked her knuckles slow
I flipped her off with trembling hands
Then slammed the front door closed
Rowan whispered, “She’s cloning them—”
As garden gnomes took shape
One by one from ceramic dust
Marching with murder in their gait
[Chorus 1]
They came through the pet door, the windows and vents
A terracotta army with malevolent dents
I screamed and I swatted, my hands barely mine
Rowan said, “The source — outside, near the pine!”
I grabbed the poker, heart loud as a drum
And ran through the chaos like war had begun
If this is my fate — if this is my home —
Then damn it, I’ll be the Destroyer of Gnomes
[Verse 3]
The wind kicked up like it knew the scene
That little bastard stood under the evergreen
Golden-toothed, with a smug little hat
It winked at me — imagine that
I raised the poker, I took my aim
I thought of every day I'd felt ashamed
And with one clean swing, I made my stand
Smashed it to hell with my shaking hands
[Chorus 2]
The shards flew wide, the magic snapped
The gnomes inside went stiff and cracked
Roxy cursed and vanished in smoke
But not before giving one final poke:
“Not bad, Cradle — you’re bolder than most.”
Then gone like a ghost with a biker’s boast
I stood in my yard, shaking to the bones
But grinning like hell, Destroyer of Gnomes
[Bridge]
The house was a mess, the rug torn through
A garden war fought in shades of blue
Rowan was gone — no kiss, no flash
Just a scribbled note in a pile of ash:
"Didn’t want her coming after you —
So I’ll keep moving. I always do."
[Final Chorus]
The shards flew wide, the magic snapped
The gnomes inside went stiff and cracked
I dropped the poker, hands trembling slow
But something in me refused to let go
I wasn’t just lucky, or caught in a spin
I chose to swing, I chose to win
In the wreckage I stood, blood in my bones
And whispered, “Hell yeah…
Destroyer of Gnomes.”
[Verse 1]
I woke up late to a blinking screen,
Tom’s name in bold, a message clean:
“In town today for a meeting or two,
Thought maybe I could finally meet you.
If not, that’s okay — just thought I’d say
You’ve been on my mind in a quiet way.”
[Verse 2]
I found a booth at Joleen’s Diner,
Wiped my palms on the old cloth liner.
He walked in wearing a button-down blue,
Glanced around — his eyes found you-know-who.
He smiled like he wasn’t sure he should,
Then said, “Hey there. You look… really good.”
[Verse 3]
We laughed like we always did online,
About raids gone wrong and lost gold mines.
He said, “Remember Dark City’s gate?
We lasted five minutes — wasn’t it great?”
And just like that, the awkward was gone —
Like we’d been face-to-face all along.
[Verse 4]
But then he tapped that salt shaker slow,
Eyes on the table, voice sunk low.
“Charlie, I don’t want to make this weird…
But there’s something I’ve kind of always feared.
That someone would get to you before me…
And now you’re with him, and I can see…”
[Verse 5]
He looked at me like he already knew
What I was feeling, what I wouldn’t do.
“I’ve liked you for ages,” he said with a breath,
“But I never spoke up — too scared of the death
Of the one thing I never wanted to lose —
Our friendship, weird and beautiful and true.”
[Verse 6]
I held my drink, heart full of ache,
Knowing no answer I gave wouldn’t break
The moment or the man across from me,
Whose kindness ran deep as any sea.
“I care about you,” I whispered low,
“But my heart's somewhere else… I thought you should know.”
[Verse 7]
He smiled, though it hurt, and said, “It’s okay.
I had to say it — couldn’t walk away.
You’re still my favourite mage on the team.
I’ll root for you, even if it’s not me.”
He stood and left with a nod, not blame —
Just a quiet goodbye that left me changed.
[Verse 1]
The trees wore dusk like candlelight
June Park was still, the sky was wide
I found him by our old green bench
A shadow tucked in fading light
His coat was damp, his boots were worn
He smiled like someone weathered, torn
[Pre-Chorus]
I asked him why he looked so far
He said, “I’ve run too long — too hard.”
[Chorus]
“Come to the Fae with me,” he said
“Leave behind this rust and rain
Where moonlight lingers soft and slow
And sorrow doesn’t know your name
You’d stay yourself — just as you are
But never feel alone again”
[Verse 2]
He told me of the tired days
Of shifting towns and hiding names
How magic can't erase the ache
Of always running from the blame
He said, “I’m done with second starts —
I want to give you all my heart.”
[Pre-Chorus]
He held out his hand like a leaf in fall
Waiting for me to take it — or let it fall
[Chorus]
“Come to the Fae with me,” he said
“Where stars don’t rush to fade or fall
Where silence feels like warmth, not fear
And winter never comes at all
You won’t have to change or disappear
Just say the word — and I’ll be near.”
[Bridge]
I looked at him — not the way he glowed
But the way he waited, soft and low
I thought of all the “what if” years
Of pickles, phones, and hidden tears
And then I leaned — slow, unsure
He met me halfway — and we kissed for sure
[Final Chorus]
“Come to the Fae with me,” he said
“Leave behind this rust and rain
Where moonlight lingers soft and slow
And sorrow doesn’t know your name
You’d stay yourself — just as you are
But never feel alone again”
[Verse 1]
I left a note on the dresser
Whispered love to empty halls
Folded shirts I wouldn’t need
Unplugged the bedroom walls
Said goodbye in practiced silence
And stepped into the fall
[Verse 2]
I took the long way out of town
Where leaves still clung to trees
Past bakeries and barber poles
And golden memories
The world looked soft and full of ghosts
Too lovely now to leave
[Verse 3]
I passed a glassy window
And nearly walked on by
But something made me stop and stare
A warmth I couldn’t deny
A man inside, just holding lunch
With reverence in his eyes
[Verse 4]
A sandwich — absurd and beautiful
With pickles, no less, in sight
And suddenly it hit me hard
Like waking from the night
This wasn’t just a sandwich.
It was everything that's right
[Chorus]
I can’t leave this life behind
With all its mess and grace
The laughter caught in stairwells
The storm in every face
If magic means forgetting this
Then Faerie’s not my place
[Verse 5]
I ran like breath was breaking
Like fire through my lungs
Each crack in every sidewalk
Now sacred to my tongue
I knew I had to see him
Before the portal sung
[Verse 6]
He stood beside the water
The spell already drawn
I slowed, my heart unbreaking
The doubt in me now gone
“I’m staying,” I said softly
“Though I’ll miss you when you’re gone”
[Bridge]
He smiled with something ancient
And brushed a leaf from my hair
“Humans never cease to amaze —
There’s wonder in your care.
I’ll miss you, Charlie Cradle.
You’ve been light in thinner air.”
[Chorus]
I won’t leave this life behind
It’s messy, loud, and mine
The ache, the hope, the hunger
The heartbreak by design
If magic costs what made me me
Then living is divine
I won’t leave this life behind
It’s messy, loud, and mine
The ache, the hope, the hunger
The heartbreak by design
If magic costs what made me me
Then living is divine
[Outro]
“You’re a heartbreaker, Cradle,”
Said Roxy with a grin.
“You’re all right…
for a mortal.”
[Verse 1]
I ran like my feet knew more than I did,
Through streets that blurred and hearts that hid.
The sun hit the pavement like gold through glass,
A cab swung by — I flagged it fast.
He said, “Where to?” I said, “Don’t ask, just drive.”
There was only one thing I needed to find.
[Pre-Chorus]
What if I’m too late?
What if he’s gone?
What if this feeling
Isn’t enough to hold on?
[Chorus 1]
Then I saw him, foot on the bus step,
Backpack slung and eyes unread.
I called his name with every breath—
He turned around like the world reset.
And in that glance, I saw my chance
To start again, to take the risk.
To choose this plain, imperfect bliss…
A wonderful existence.
[Verse]
Tom's no wizard, no wild tale,
No magic tricks, no fairytale.
But he laughs at things no one else hears,
And never minds my awkward fears.
He plays the games I love to lose,
And somehow makes this life feel new.
[Chorus 2]
He saw me, hair a mess,
Face flushed red and heart confessed.
I said, “I was wrong, I almost fled.”
He said, “You’re here. That’s all you had to say.”
And in his smile, I saw my place—
No crown, no throne, no grand defense…
Just this quiet, sacred present tense.
A wonderful existence.
[Bridge]
[Final Chorus]
We won’t be legends in a song,
No ancient love to echo long.
But we’ll share coffee and midnights low,
Stack our wins in the afterglow.
And maybe all I need is this—
His hand in mine, a kitchen kiss,
And the right to live, not just exist…
We won’t be legends in a song,
No ancient love to echo long.
But we’ll share coffee and midnights low,
Stack our wins in the afterglow.
And maybe all I need is this—
His hand in mine, a kitchen kiss,
And the right to live, not just exist…
A wonderful existence.