Overkill // Joseph Quinn

Epilogue 1

August 4th, 2021.

The tips of my toes tap on the floor, following the rapid speed of my heart. I hear mumbled voices and soft music that fill the room just outside of this doorway.

I'm really about to go on stage.

Nobody has told me how many people are out there. The Roxy holds 500 people, which I don't expect to fill the capacity. I can't tell how many people there are, though.

"Ready in 5, Sparks." The stage manager, Carl, calls from behind me. I turn around to see him already talking to someone else on the headset.

I close my eyes, determined to master this breathing exercise that I've been practicing since this morning.

"You ready for this, rockstar?" Jo wraps his arm around my shoulder, squeezing tight.

"I really hope so." I say breathlessly.

He stuck to his word when he said he was going to be my guitarist. Knowing I'll have him on stage with me alleviates some of my anxiety.

"You'll be great." He gives my shoulder one last squeeze and disappears into his designated place.

We've practiced our stage entrance for a few days now; everyone in specific spots and going out at specific times.

"Intro starts in 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1." Carl now speaks in my earpiece.

The lights dim out in the audience and the intro music begins. The crowd screams so loud I start to get an idea of how many people are really out there. I wipe off my hands one last time before preparing for my entrance.

Waylon, the drummer, begins his walk to the stage. He waves briefly to the crowd before taking place in his seat. Then comes out his sister, Gracie, who does the same. Then comes Jo, to which the crowd roars with excitement. I hadn't announced my band members so this is all a surprise to everyone.

Once everyone is in place, I wait for my cue. The initial music for the intro will fade into my opening song; Overkill. I thought it was only right to start with that one. It's the reason I'm here, anyhow.

I don't have a chance to give myself anymore words of motivation as the music starts. My feet move before my mind could tell them to, and now I stand in front of the biggest crowd I've performed for.

The place is packed, more than I'd imagined. The sounds of shouting and cheers nearly distract me from using my own voice.

"A couple more tequilas, and I'll tell you how I'm feeling."

It's all muscle memory for me at this point. We've worked so hard for this exact moment. I have a chance to look at everyone in the crowd as I sing along to the tempo in my earpiece.

There they are.

Most of my group is here and in the one little section just for them; Maya, Jamie, Natalia, and Sadie. They all smile wide and wave when they know I can see them. I wave back, unable to help myself. The confidence in me rises.

I look around the crowd more, being fueled by everyone singing along with me.

My eyes come across some that look just like my own.

My mom and Sara.

I nearly gasp. Sara knew about the show tonight but I didn't expect her to come, especially with our mom. I wave at them with a wide smile and they return the gesture.

Everybody I love is here, just for me.

I go through the next few songs before stopping briefly to introduce myself and the band.