Chapter 5: "Unexpected Stage"

Ethan arrived at the park, where the sun shone high in the sky and a gentle breeze caressed his skin. He searched for a place where he could play his guitar and sing without interruption. After looking around for a few minutes, he noticed a small clearing on an elevated area, surrounded by bushes that offered some privacy. It was a spacious spot, like an improvised stage, and the thought of being there filled him with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

As he settled in, his mind began to recall the songs he had chosen. He decided to start with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," a powerful melody by Marvin Gaye from the '80s (at least in this reality). He took a deep breath and calmed himself, remembering that no one was watching; people passed by, unaware of what was about to happen. He placed his guitar case in front of him, with a small sign folded that read: "Welcome, if you like it, feel free to support me," along with an arrow pointing downward. He left a couple of coins, knowing that it's easier to give when others think they've already contributed.

With a bit of nervousness, he began to tune his guitar and play a light melody. The first notes resonated in the air, and as a harmony started to emerge from the spot, people around turned their heads, curious about what was happening. Those passing by began to walk slower, intrigued. Then, with his soft yet determined voice, Ethan sang the first words:

"Listen baby, ain't no mountain high,

Ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby,

If you need me call me, no matter where you are…"

Upon hearing those opening lines, the crowd felt an indescribable emotion, as if the song had been written and sung just for them. Passersby stopped, and those already nearby moved even closer. As the song continued, more and more people joined in, some even started to dance with their partners, letting the music envelop them. Soon, the atmosphere buzzed with the energy of the song, and the crowd began to sing along with the artist, their voices intertwining in an improvised chorus that filled the air. Each note created a magical atmosphere, uniting strangers in a moment of pure connection.

*POV Nate*

From his seat in class, Nate watched with growing frustration as the new kid drew all the girls' attention, especially Sarah's. He couldn't believe that she, who had silenced him by saying his musical aspirations were crazy, was attracted to someone she barely knew. Determined, Nate resolved to make him regret it. He couldn't accept that a stranger was stealing his chance to win over his future wife.

Before he could confront him, the kid took off running. "So, he's running away; he knows what I'm going to do," Nate thought, following him at a safe distance. He had done this before and knew he could be persuasive. When he reached the park, he decided to wait, but suddenly the kid vanished from his sight. Frustrated, Nate began to wander, searching for his prey.

Suddenly, a melody that seemed to capture the ambiance filled his ears. Images of his father abandoning his mother and him flashed in his mind, along with memories of having to take care of his younger sister. All the hardships he had overcome began to resurface in his memory. The song resonated within him, evoking an emotion he had never felt before. He let the music guide him and moved toward the gathering crowd.

Upon arriving, his eyes landed on a twelve-year-old boy standing out among the crowd. Ethan wore loose-fitting dark cargo pants paired with a white shirt that accentuated his youthful energy. His hair, with a side part, was slightly messy, allowing a few strands to fall casually over his forehead. He had his eyes closed, completely immersed in the music. His face showed a blend of concentration and happiness, as if the guitar were an extension of himself.

**POV Ethan**

From the moment I played the first verse, a wave of emotions enveloped me. With each note I played, my confidence grew, as if the music transformed me into someone incredible. I lost myself in the melody, closing my eyes and playing and singing with fervent illusion that nothing else existed. Suddenly, I began to hear voices joining my singing, creating a harmony that resonated in the air. The atmosphere and the moment were perfect.

As I finished, when I opened my eyes, the image I found left me frozen: there was a crowd around me, cheering enthusiastically. My stage fright didn't vanish; it was eclipsed by an indescribable emotion at seeing those people applauding and celebrating. Looking down, I noticed that many had already left bills and coins in my case, a tangible support for my effort. With a nervous smile and a voice trembling, barely a whisper in contrast to the energy of the song, I said, —Th-thank you all, I-I hope you liked it.— The crowd began to applaud even louder, and the gathering was growing, drawing in more and more curious onlookers.

The applause grew even stronger, and more and more people gathered. Suddenly, someone I recognized joined the crowd surrounding me. Not knowing what to say, I simply smiled at him, and he returned the smile. But suddenly, someone in the audience, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, shouted in a hoarse voice:

—"Then play another!"

Not knowing how to respond, I turned my gaze to the person calling me. He looked familiar. This boy with dark, curly hair that fell messily over his forehead appeared defiant. With a look full of energy and impatience, he seemed ready to explode. He wore a shirt from a well-known rock band and ripped jeans that gave him a laid-back style.

He began to make a fuss, shouting louder:

—"Another! Another!"

Soon, the crowd started chanting as well: —"Another! Another!"— I, already nervous, began to feel even more anxious. I had never been in a situation like this. The crowd demanded that I play another song, but everything I had planned faded from my mind. I stood there, blank, not knowing what to do, wishing it would all pass quickly.

Suddenly, the image of myself singing in front of a stage and messing it up, with a voice that didn't belong to me, surged in my mind. That nightmare I had earlier that morning began to torment me again.

So there I stood, frozen, wishing this nightmare would simply end soon.

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*"Music is the universal language of mankind." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow*