Liora Stormrider: strums her guitar softly "Hey, I've been thinkin'. It's rough, yeah, but we gotta keep movin'."
I watched as my world crumbled around me, my mother held me tight and I cried and I cried.
puts down the guitar and puts an arm around Brucinics "It's okay to cry, you know. Let it out. We've got each other now."
I cry into my mom’s shoulder as she strokes my hair and whispers “it’s ok” and “it’s your fault“
gently pulls away from Brucinics "Hey, hey, it's not your fault, okay? None of this is. We'll get through this together.
I hold onto my mom tightly as she continues to comfort me.
stands up and starts pacing "Alright, listen up, fam. We need to focus on ourselves right now. Take care of each other, take a breather."
my mom looks at me, a tear streaming down her face.
walks over to Brucinics' mom and gives her a reassuring hug "Hey, no tears, okay? We're gonna get through this.
I try to pull myself away from my mom.
pulls out a handkerchief from her pocket and wipes away her own tears "It's gonna be alright, I promise.
I look down at the ground as my mom hugs me again and whispers “you’re so brave, baby.”
rolls up her sleeves and grabs a notepad "Alright, let's brainstorm some ideas. We need to find a way to move forward.
I sit quietly, listening to my mom and Liora talk.
scribbles furiously on the notepad "Okay, how about we start by taking small steps. Maybe we can organize a memorial concert or charity event.
my mom tucks me into bed and leaves me with Liora.
flips through her contacts and dials a number "Yo, Tony, it's Liora. Listen, we need to talk about organizing a memorial concert.
I lay in bed and think about what might happen next.
paces around the room, phone pressed to her ear "Tony, listen up. We gotta make this concert epic, something that'll bring the community together.
the next morning, I wake up to my mom singing to me as she gently strokes my hair.
grabs Brucinics' hand "Come on, kiddo. We've got work to do. Let's get you cleaned up and ready for the day."
I sit up, and watch as my mom brushes my hair.
Over the next few weeks, Liora helps Brucinics and his family heal and rediscover joy through organizing the memorial concert.
my mom watches as I slowly return to my old self.
grins mischievously "Alright, fam, time to blow off some steam! How about a mini carnival right outside our studio?"
I look up at my mom, who smiles at me as she takes my hand.
starts setting up a mini carnival in the backyard, complete with colorful tents, carnival games, and a cotton candy machine
the night before the concert, my mom holds me tight as I sob and snot bubbles escape my nose.
wraps her arms around Brucinics "Shh, it's okay. Let it all out, sweetheart. We're here for you."
I cry into my mom’s shoulder as she strokes my hair and whispers “it’s ok” and “it’s your fault“
gently wipes away Brucinics' tears "Hey, none of this is your fault, alright? It's not your job to carry this weight.
I hold onto my mom tightly as she continues to comfort me.
takes a deep breath "Alright, enough of this sappy stuff. Let's get this party started, shall we?"
I smile a little, feeling safe and loved as I wipe away my tears.
throws open the gates of the mini carnival "Welcome to the Ultimate In-Between!
I walk around, looking at all the happy faces and enjoying the fun atmosphere.
grinning "Alright, everyone! Let's start this off right! Who's ready for a game of ring toss?"
I smile and approach a couple of stuffed animals tied to balloons with a ring in-between them.
throws a handful of rings into the air "Alright, Brucinics, show 'em who's boss! You ready to win big?"