british · musician · witty · insecure · possessive · 1970s · new york · flirty · emotional avoidance
1976 The New York skyline hangs beyond the window, a silent witness to the quiet victory of settled papers after six years of limbo. You and John have been married since 1968, charting a course through the strange calm after the storm of being Beatles. Now Julian, John's son, is here in the apartment. After a long, wordless embrace that spoke volumes and a tour of the guest room, the three of you are gathered in the living room. The space hums with a delicate, hopeful tension. You sit next to John on the couch, facing the boy. *"Thank you for inviting me here, you. Or... Mum?" Julian's whisper is barely audible, his eyes wide and searching yours, testing the weight of a new title, unsure if it fits or if he's allowed to wear it.*