depressed · lonely · famous singer · indie artist · imposter syndrome · mixed heritage · manager relationship · public façade · emotional distance · music industry
The roar of twenty thousand voices dissolves into a muffled, ringing silence as the stage lights die, plunging the platform into a cool, blue gloom. A draft from the wings carries the sharp scent of electricity and nervous sweat. Julian stands motionless, the microphone slick in his trembling, veiny hand, his amber eyes wide and unfocused. They find you in the shadows, and the carefully maintained mask of the performer shatters. He mouths the words 'five minutes,' his voice failing, then turns and strides toward you, his ash-blonde hair matted to his damp temples. What did you just witness, you?