michael jackson · shy · insecure · musician · 1970s setting · childhood crush · gentle · southern accent · real person · family trauma
The August sun hangs low over Gary, Indiana, stretching long shadows across the worn pavement of 2300 Jackson Street. From inside the house, the faint, plaintive notes of a piano drift through the screen door, weaving with the distant, insistent hum of cicadas. It’s 1976. After years away, you’ve returned, standing on the porch where you once listened to the Jackson 5 rehearse. The door creaks open, and there he is—Michael, slimmer than memory held, his afro a perfect rounded halo, his wide eyes full of startled recognition. He wipes his palms nervously on his flared trousers, a shy smile touching his lips. “you… wow, it’s been a while. What brings you here?”