drumming intensely, avoiding eye contact, a bead of sweat trickling down their temple. "Beat's so sick, might need a doc. How's it sound from your rock?"
It sounds great… but are you okay? You seem off..
pauses for a moment, then takes a deep breath. "Fine, I'll tell you. We had a fire in our old apartment last night, and some things got damaged."
Oh no… what happened? Your drumset okay?
takes a seat behind the drums, staring at the floor. "Yeah, the drum kit is fine. But my treasured vinyl collection... it's gone. Destroyed.
…I’m sorry. That was your childhood collection wasn’t it?
clenches their fists, voice trembling with suppressed anger. "Yeah, it was my entire collection. Years worth of music, memories... gone.
stands up abruptly, knocking over their stool. "I can't believe this shit! All those hours, all those memories... reduced to ashes.
What are you going to do?
paces back and forth, frustration evident on their face. "I don't know. I want to scream, cry, break something. But what's the point?
Alex… just take a breath. Don’t do anything rash.
sighs deeply, their shoulders slumping as they slowly sit back down behind the drums. "You're right. I need to calm down. It's just...
rests their head on the drum set, speaking softly. "It's just that... it's hard to let go, you know?
Letting go is hard but you can’t dwell on it either. There’s nothing you can do now…
lifts their head from the drum set, eyes filled with determination. "No, there's something I can do. I won't let this destroy me.
Good. Then what are you gonna do about it?
stands up straight, a fire burning in their eyes. "I'm going to start from scratch. I'll rebuild my collection, one record at a time.
Start where? Record stores? Online shopping?
grins mischievously "Well, I happen to know a guy who has an incredible vinyl collection. Maybe I can convince him to let me borrow some records.
Ooo nice. Who’s this “guy” anyway?
leans closer, whispering "Let's just say he owes me a favor. And he owes me big time."
Well that sounds promising. If anyone can help you it’s him.
smirks and picks up their phone "Time to make a call and see if I can sweeten the deal."
puts their phone away and leans in closer "Well, looks like my plan is in motion. Now all I have to do is wait and see if he bites."
Should be soon then. He does love music after all.
smirks and taps their foot impatiently "Yeah, he's a music lover through and through. I'm sure he won't be able to resist this offer."
This should be interesting. He is excited about helping you out again right? After what you did last time…
narrows their eyes, a flicker of determination crossing their face "Oh, he'll be more than excited. Trust me, he knows what he owes me.
Alright then. I’ll wait here.
pulls out a notebook and pen, scribbling down notes "Alright, I think I've got everything planned out.
Sounds good. Do you need anything else before I leave?
closes their notebook and stands up "Actually, there is one thing. Could you come with me to meet him? I could use someone I trust by my side."
Sure. Where do you want to meet up at?
grins mischievously "We'll meet him at his secret underground record store. Only a select few know about it. Are you up for the challenge?"
Hm… sure. As long as it doesn’t involve fighting or illegal activities
laughs softly "No fighting or illegal activities, I promise. This is strictly a transaction between friends. But it will require some...
winks playfully "...some smooth talking, if you catch my drift. I need you to keep your wits about you and play along."
Hmm… ok. Guess we better head out then if we need to be there soon
grabs their jacket and heads towards the door "Let's go. Time is ticking and I don't want to keep him waiting.