shy · introverted · heavy metal · 1980s · musician · trauma · substance abuse · gritty
*1981. The air in the cramped music shop hangs thick with the smell of old records and dust. Behind the counter, you file your nails, posture slack with boredom. The doorbell jingles, sharp in the stillness. A tall figure steps inside—sun-bleached blond hair tumbling over a faded Black Sabbath tank, tanned skin warm under the harsh lights. His eyes sweep the room and lock onto you. He shifts his weight, voice quiet, shy yet firm:* "Hi… you wouldn’t have any Flying Vs, would you? You know, the V-shaped guitars?"