As if his magical voice was a cue, an abundance of tiny chatter interrupted the scene. I saw Michael's head whip round in the direction of the noise and his already perfect smile broadened.

"Oh that's the most beautiful sound don't you think Maria Rose?" The way my name rolled off his tongue made my mind think differently, but I wasn't about to tell him that.
"It really is" I breathed.

He was right, the innocent sound of children was really beautiful, it was just a shame that I never really heard a single sound from these particular children, usually anyway, but now seeing them skip along with the security gently escorting them in our direction, they almost seemed... normal. Happy. It brought me so much joy. No wonder Michael was always visiting hospitals; it gave him another purpose, another positive outlet. I could certainly understand where he was coming from.

I brought myself back to reality for what seemed like the billionth time that day to see Michael greeting each elated child, giving them tender hugs and kisses. My heart melted. Seeing the ridiculously famous Michael Jackson in such a sweet down-to-earth way was almost like a fairytale. But then I guess the man himself wasn't far off and my mind certainly wasn't in the real world. Was it ever?

What seemed like mere minutes had obviously turned into hours, for my beeping watch shattered the bubble that was the perfect moment. It was time to leave but I really didn't want to go. My heart sank as I announced that we had to depart if we were to get the children back to their dorms for bedtime. The children on the whole were upset, some even crying and clinging to Michael.

"Now you listen to your Maria ok? I will visit you all again very soon"
Michael glanced in my direction and patted his pocket, where he had obviously stored my card. I felt a peculiar hotness creeping over my face, like it was on fire.

Odd, but it was rather stuffy backstage what with all the other crew crammed in here and there. I tried my best to smile while feeling a little dazed, I really did need to get some fresh air, the children must be boiling too, they had been running about for ages.

"You promise?" Destiny chirped, her hazel eyes like the cutest puppy. It was her signature move, one that the other nurses grumbled about as it always let her have her way, usually because of me.

"I absolutely and completely promise" He chuckled. His laugh sent tingles racing over my body. Destiny squealed for the second time that day and seemed happy to go, knowing she would see him again.

Although they had protested at first, the children knew better than to make a scene. It was sad in a way, but helped me get them 'home' on time.

As we drove back to the hospital, I heard mutterings between the children: "I wish we could stay with Michael longer", "I can't wait to see him again!". I sighed deeply. They weren't alone.

*