Espera | R. Grayson ✔

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He had not wanted to perform that night.

It was the first time in years that he dreaded going up to the trapeze with his parents because deep down a voice was telling him that it could all go dreadfully wrong.

But their show was all sold out and the circus was in debt already.

They had to go up on the trapeze and they had to steal the show with their breathtaking performance.

"Dick, come now. It's time for us to go out," his father beckoned him closer, a smile creasing his features.

"Tati, I want to tell you something," his lower lip quivered as he approached the man, "please don't perform tonight."

"Why, son?" He asked, ruffling his head affectionately, "the show is all sold out. And we are just going up on our trapeze like we have done so many times before."

"Not tonight... I heard a man threatening Mister Hal..."

But he couldn't complete the sentence as the ringmaster was standing there with a frown on his face, gesturing for them to be ready to go out. 

Their time had come to perform the infamous act of The Flying Graysons. It was no doubt the most awaited performance at any show set up by Haley's Circus.

His mother had come up behind him as well, her hand resting gently on his shoulder, "it's okay, dear, we are going to be with you. Just think of yourself as a little robin, flying high in the sky. Nothing will go wrong, trust me."

His mother's soft words and kind blue eyes urged him to steady himself. Despite himself, he nodded, knowing there was not much they could do about it.

Still, he couldn't get rid of the conversation he had overheard between the circus owner and another man who was threatening to hurt the performers if the debt wasn't paid in time. Richard felt as if those performers could be his family since they were the circus' most treasured act.

But thinking that their performance could help in paying off the debt, he took in a deep breath to compose himself and nodded at his parents to let them know he was ready.

The Flying Graysons took their positions on the platform, high up from the central ring and the red curtain was parted, revealing an enthusiastic crowd cheering for them.

Richard gulped, trying to focus on the rush of adrenaline in his veins but the sinking feeling was still tightening in his chest, making it hard to breathe.

His mother gave him a warm smile and he tried to return it. The announcer's voice was ringing in his ears as he forcefully willed himself to perform that night.

"And now ladies and gentlemen, direct your attention high above the center ring for a dazzling display of aerial artistry. Performing death-defying stunts without the aid of a net, the fabulous Flying Graysons!"

Twelve year old Richard stood with his parents on the platform and waved to the audience, then as usual, his father was the first to perform on the trapeze, swinging from the bar effortlessly and holding onto the other bar.

It was his turn next and he took another deep breath, setting a smile on his face and clasped the bar, swinging towards his father. He left the bar in mid-air and performed a somersault then held onto his father's outstretched hands.

John Grayson was balancing on the bar using his feet to anchor him on it. He propelled his son back to the first bar and Richard returned on the platform to his mother who had to go next.

Mary Grayson hugged him lightly in appreciation then took the bar and performed a mid-air somersault just like young Richard had done so.

But his icy blue eyes widened as he saw that the rope tied to his father's trapeze was snapping.