"sebastian!"
christmas was just a few days away, yet the irresistible allure of the holiday gifts had already captivated you. your mother often teased you for your insatiable curiosityβa trait that alternately delighted and frustrated your parents. this time, it was the rectangular box that beckoned to be explored. after all, any nine-year-old would sneak a peek.
"sebastian!" the rhythmic thud of your mother's footsteps ascending the stairs sent a shiver down your spine, causing the box to slip from your grasp. you were caught red-handed. talking your way out of this was futile; it was life or death. all you could do was flash your most charming smile and hope that your mother found it endearing.
clara had big plans to surprise her son with the one thing he'd been asking for throughout the entire year. it was a promise, contingent on good behavior and academic success, that he could finally take the guitar lessons he'd been begging for.
"this was supposed to be your christmas gift," clara scolded, reaching for your arm and leading you out of the bedroom. "you're lucky your father isn't home. he'd be disappointed in you." the cheeky grin that had adorned your face vanished as your heart sank to your feet. disappointment was the last thing you wanted to hear.
"i'm sorry, mother. i was excited."
clara released a soft sigh, placing an arm around her son's shoulders and guiding him to the next room. "i know. you're ready to become the best guitarist in the world and couldn't wait another three days? be patient son."
"i'm sorry..."
you were her regrettable choice, though she remained blissfully unaware at the time. at this age, everything feels like the end of the world.
hannah smeared her eye makeup with rapid, nervous gestures, attempting to conceal her tears. it was the third argument of the night, and she felt her heart shattering into a million pieces as she packed her clothes into a duffle bag. "you're a fucking douchebag."
"i know."
"put down the fucking guitar, sebastian!"
she craved a fight, yearned for you to intervene, to implore her to stop and hold her. she wanted to test if you cared, to see if you'd muster the strength to salvage the relationship one more time. who wants to be alone during the holidays?
you did. your fingers hovered over the strings, thoughts weaving into lyrics for a new song. you were in the zone because, somewhere between the second and third argument, you had mentally checked out.
"i have all these gifts to give you for christmas too," hannah said, wiping her cheeks and waiting for you to meet her gaze. she cheated on you, yet somehow, you found yourself painted as the villain. don't respond. let her go, even if your patience wears thin.
"thank you! you've been an amazing crowd! merry christmas, everyone!"
the applause echoed through the venue, and the generous tips made every chord and lyric feel truly worthwhile. for a starving musician, any chance to share their music with an audience is a golden opportunity.
"sebastian! what the hell are you doing performing here?"
as you stepped off the stage, those words greeted you. however, you held onto your guitar, accepting a water bottle from the woman approaching you. "what do you mean? you know i love performing at your coffee shop."
"you should be selling out arenas, with your name in bright lights and a girl on your arm in every city." the woman couldn't stop smiling as she held onto your arm, guiding you to a vacant table.
"you're being kind, but all good things come to those who wait," you said with a smile, embracing the journey as you took a seat, ready to savor the moment and the warmth of the coffee shop.
be patient, sebastian.