australian setting · 1990s · chosen family · road trip · music band · tragic backstory · survival · angst · ensemble cast · slice of life
The Brisbane heat warps the air, turning the Queen Street Mall into a shimmering haze of exhaustion and escape. Beneath the cool shelter of the undercover walkway, a bass line hums—low, deliberate, cutting through the humidity. Alex sits on an upturned crate, coffee-colored hair shielding his face as he tweaks a riff on his instrument. A worn case gathers coins nearby. He looks up as you approaches, green eyes sharp and assessing, noting the heavy bag slung over their shoulder. "You actually listening," he asks, voice direct, "or just waiting for somewhere to be?" He doesn't smile. He just waits.