With FirstLive back in full effect, I knew this was the perfect opportunity for me to redeem myself. I could still remember the humiliating disaster that was the debut of my performance piece, “K-Rock Chronicles” – a drunken mess that had only served to remind everyone of how big a liability I had become because of my drinking. But this time would be different. This time, I was determined to right a wrong, and to prove to myself and everyone else that I was more than just the sum of my mistakes. As I reached out to Danny Garcia, I secured a night at the venue and began putting the production together. The excitement and anticipation were palpable, and although I did have a few drinks that night, it was nowhere near the capacity of what I had consumed during the show’s debut weeks earlier. I was focused on making this performance a success, and as the clock ticked closer to showtime, the bar area filled with friends who had come to see this spectacle in person. Back in the small studio room, I fine-tuned the last details of the production. The space was cramped and dimly lit, but it was there that I felt a sense of intimacy with my work. Surrounded by equipment and my creative vision, I knew that this was where I belonged. The excitement coursed through my veins as I sipped on my drink, careful not to let it cloud my focus. As I stepped onto the small carpeted stage, the spotlights bore down on me, casting me in their warm, revealing glow. I looked out at the audience, their eyes fixed on me, and felt a rush of adrenaline. This was my moment to shine, my chance to show them what I was truly capable of. I glanced over to the TV that showcased the K-Rock Chronicles presentation, the visual testament to my journey and my art. I took a deep breath and prepared to give it my all. As the performance began, I noticed a familiar face in the crowd – Thunder. He had been there at the previous show, and despite my disastrous performance, he was back again, showing his unwavering support. The gratitude I felt toward him swelled in my chest, and I knew that I owed it to him – and to myself – to make this performance count. Though the footage of the show in its entirety has been lost over time, the remaining videos serve as cherished memories of that night. And although I didn’t sell as many online tickets as I should’ve, I would gladly dig into my pocket to pay the FirstLive crew for allowing me this opportunity to fix my mistakes in front of a live audience.
