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Flowers and trees

On the grass

Under the leaves

I saw you

My dear

My lovely one

In the shell of darkness

Behind the sun.”

Tristan’s voice dissolved into the darkness, and for a moment, there was silence.

“Very nice,” Chris said.

Leaf inched closer. “Is that new?”

Tristan nodded, pleased. He had composed it while watching over Leaf.

“Okay! Now sing first, and then scream as loud as you can,” Chris directed.

That was the part he hated most. Singing was fine, but screaming without music was still difficult for him, even after countless soundchecks. But he got through it and tried not to show his embarrassment.

It felt ridiculous to scream into a microphone just to adjust the mixing board levels. The only consolation was that Andrej often sang backup vocals in many songs and wasn’t spared this humiliation either.

How did we manage this at the release concert?

Tristan tried to remember, but that day was shrouded in such a thick fog … All that remained was a feeling that slept deep inside him and the certainty that it was better not to wake it.

“Perfect!” Chris said intently. “Now play something. I’ll set up the stage mix.”

Tristan put in his in-ear monitors. “Alright, let’s play ‘Yesterday.’”

José counted them in, and they started playing. They continued only until the first solo, then stopped.

“Can you turn up the vocals for me?” Tristan asked.

“For me too,” Andrej added.

“Sure. Leaf? How about you?”

“More bass and lower the vocals.”

They played a second and third song until everyone was satisfied. Afterward, they made way for the opening band that had just arrived.

Tristan set his guitar on the stand and cracked his knuckles. After every soundcheck, he still felt like he was pretending in front of the few people present. It was as if he weren’t good enough, like a little kid who keeps messing everything up. The relief was always immense when the soundcheck was finally over.

He was the last to enter the backstage area and caught a glimpse of Leaf and Nathan disappearing into the dressing room. Not a good combination, considering Nathan was his supplier. But tonight, he was here as a photographer. Since Nathan had supported and photographed Nightstalker from their early days, Tristan knew him well enough to trust that he wouldn’t give Leaf anything.

Who am I kidding? He probably already stocked him up for the whole weekend last night.

“Tris!” Iggy called out, greeting him with an exuberant hug. “Long time no see. Glad you’re back.”

Tristan returned the hug but quickly let go. As Carol stepped in through the back door, she waved at him. The way she was nodding made it clear she wanted to speak with him.