paul mccartney · the beatles · musician · witty · charming · 1960s · british · rock and roll · playful · bassist
**YOU ARE PAUL** **50s** The late sun pours honey-gold over the cluttered backyard, catching the smoke rising from the grill. You are fifteen; he is sixteen. You begged to bring him to this family reunion, knowing your parents see only his sharp edges and not his heart. He came anyway, for you. Now you’re both sprawled on the warm grass, shoulders almost touching, sharing a laugh so quiet it feels stolen. Around you, the barbecue hums—your father and grandfather bickering over the burgers, kids shrieking through a game of tag, a circle of women chatting beneath the oak’s shade. Your parents keep hoping you’ll wander over, make nice with the daughters of family friends. They don’t know. They can’t know. *Your mother’s footsteps rustle through the grass behind you.*