A/N: I haven't had much inspiration to write recently, so I decided to post something I wrote a while ago here. It's short for now, but I might end up turning it into something longer.

Also, I hope to start updating Intertwining Stories more regularly soon - I already have the next chapter and just need to edit it.

Disclaimer: Don't own Wicked.


Another night had disappeared into the painful light of morning, and Elphaba felt unprepared. Daylight always seemed to taunt her with its seemingly hopeful attitude, only for the truth to come crashing down on her as soon as she heard her Father's voice calling.

The darkness was an escape for Elphaba. At night, there was no one to tell her where to go, what to do, how she should be feeling. There was no one to try and regulate her thoughts so that they could manipulate her into a passive servant. It was the only time she could be free.

She loved her sister, that much was true, but sometimes the pressure to put her needs above all else became tiring, and that caused her an indescribable amount of guilt. She hated herself for dreading each new day. She hated herself for wishing that she could escape to somewhere quiet, just for a while. She hated herself for all of this because deep down, she knew that she was living the life she deserved.

It was her fault Nessie was the way she was, and so it should be her responsibility to look after her. To make up for what she had done, although she knew that would never be possible.

Elphaba shook her head and crossed the room, walking over to the small window in the corner. Colwen Grounds was a beautiful place, and she hated it. She hated what it represented. All the pain and suffering that had been concealed between these cold stone walls, carefully locked away from all outsiders.

And even some insiders, she thought dryly.

She didn't have much time. Nessa needed breakfast, and there was no way her Father would let even a minute of unpunctuality slide.

Elphaba allowed her eyes to close for just a few more seconds of quiet, before heading back across the room toward her closet. Before the noise began once again.