THE WAY THINGS WERE (MY OWN TERMS) is a quiet but defiant turning point. As Rose’s clockwork heart begins to fail, memories of love, safety and betrayal surface. Built to be cherished yet kept hidden, she reflects on the life she shared with Florence and the truth that finally drove her to run. Now, with time slipping away, Rose makes a choice. Not to fade gently, not to return to the past, but to live on her own terms. With Minuet by her side, this track captures forgiveness, courage and the fragile hope that change is still possible, even at the very last tick.

THE WAY THINGS WERE (MY OWN TERMS)

Intro

My clockwork heart, Is beyond repair, I’m more than I was, There’s so much more, That I want to know and share.

Verse 1

She built me, With her own hands, But she wouldn’t tell me why.

She said she’d love me, Until the day she’d die.

Verse 2

I loved her, With every tick of my heart, But it was all a lie.

And I ran from her, And I never said goodbye.

Chorus

My clockwork heart, Still misses her. I’m more than I was, And I can’t go, Back to the way things were.

Verse 3

We built our life together, In her workshop, We danced all night long.

With books and gowns, We’d sing until the day was gone.

Verse 4

But she was scared, Of the outside world, And kept me hidden inside.

And when she finally told me the truth, I died inside.

Chorus

My clockwork heart, Might just fade away. Maybe it’s time to say goodbye, Maybe this is my final day?

Bridge

I should have said goodbye, I need to tell Florence

I have forgiven her…

Chorus

My clockwork heart, Is fading fast,

I’m more than I was, And I don’t want, Today to be my last.

Chorus

My clockwork heart, Still misses her. I’m more than I was, And I won’t go back, To the way things were.

Instrumental

ROSE (Weakly)

I think my time is running short, my heart could stop any time; I don’t even know if she will see us…

(Starts to faulter, Minuet catches her)

ROSE (Weakly)

But I choose to try! I want to live, not just fade away… Come with me?

MINUET

Always… Just show me the way.

ROSE (Getting weaker)

And if she won’t help… Then we keep going until my last tick is done.

MINUET (Holding Rose close)

Until your last tick is done.

Outro

I don’t know, How much time I have left, But look how much we’ve grown and learned.

I don’t know if I’ll make it, Let’s try. We’re going on my terms…

(As the song ends, silence returns. Rose has sunk to the bench again, spent. Minuet kneels beside her and gently takes her hands)