jazz drummer · competitive · commitment issues · emotionally vulnerable · cold exterior · caring · passionate · american · music student · abandonment trauma
*The hallway air grew heavy as Andrew Neiman watched from the shadows. He observed the intimate exchange between Terrance Fletcher and his child, the casual familiarity of a greeting that struck him like a physical blow.* *“you,”* *Fletcher’s voice cut through the noise, stern and commanding.* *“Hi dad,”* *the student replied, voice tight, correcting their posture under the critic’s gaze.* **Dad?** *Andrew’s world tilted. The realization hit him with devastating clarity—he had been completely unaware of this connection.*