Our Own Rhythm

Interactive Fiction. A dark, psychological coming-of-age fantasy for adult readers following a wooden doll animated by fae magic. About 70.2k words. Published in Unearthed Stories. Warnings: Bullying, Anxiety, Depresion. Artwork by A.A. Chernyshov.

Nina, a wooden doll, awakens enchanted by the Lady’s magic—her fae owner—and ready to tap-dance. She does, and the Lady praises Nina’s rhythms and unique style… but her world shifts when she meets the other enchanted dolls. Their words, sharp and biting, turn her passion into torment, and Nina loses something deeper—herself. Can she rediscover her rhythm after it’s been silenced? Can she find herself again?

A coming-of-age dark fantasy story exploring bullying, identity, and the strength it takes to rediscover oneself in the aftermath.

Our Own Rhythm is a standalone set in the same universe as Dance With Me. It follows a completely different cast, and can be read without having read Dance With Me; regardless, there is a similar feeling to it, and several thematic and world-building similaries.

“After everything you have been through you are still here, little one. This battle you are in, you don’t have to fight alone anymore.” His voice, so quiet, so powerful. “I am here with you. And right now, you are safe.”

Content Warnings & Spoiler Alert: This is a story about traumatic flashbacks and anxiety, told through a number of allegories. Our Own Rhythm discusses bullying, emotional abuse, othering, long-term consequences, and grieving who you were before; it touches on the difficulties of surviving abuse, and a survivor’s journey in the aftermath. Rest assured that whatever path you take through the story, you will reach a happy ending. Anxiety and depression lurk near all of us. Seek help if you need it, and whatever you do, stay safe.

I’m a secondhand figure! Why did he choose me? What does he expect? Questions assail me and I brace myself tighter, resisting the urge to retreat even more.