Merch Slinger | Ricky Olson

Prologue: Excitement

Malena sat poised at her dining room table, her laptop glowing before her, casting a soft light on her determined expression. With delicate fingers, she tapped away at the keys, each click echoing her anticipation. The emails she composed were a lifeline, reaching out to management teams of various bands she admired, hoping for a response that could change her life.

"And that's the last one," she murmured to herself, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. The final email was to Motionless In White, a band she held in high regard. They hailed from Scranton, Pennsylvania, not too far from her own home, igniting a flicker of hope within her chest.

"Please, let this be it," she whispered, her fingers crossed metaphorically as she hit send. The prospect of working with Motionless In White filled her with a bubbling energy, the thought of collaborating with artists she admired sparking a fire within her.

As she leaned back in her chair, a rush of anticipation washed over her. The possibility of landing this job was both exhilarating and terrifying. Malena couldn't help but imagine the thrill of being part of the band's crew, contributing her skills and passion to their journey.

But alongside her excitement lurked a shadow of doubt. What if she wasn't good enough? What if her resume didn't impress? These thoughts nipped at her heels, threatening to dampen her spirits.

With a determined shake of her head, Malena pushed those doubts aside. She knew her worth, her resume a testament to her dedication and expertise. She refused to let fear hold her back, clinging to the hope that her efforts would be recognized and rewarded.

Rising from her seat, she stretched her arms overhead, relishing the release of tension that flooded her muscles. The weight of anticipation lifted momentarily as she made her way to the kitchen, the familiar routine of pouring a glass of water a welcome distraction from the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her.

X After a couple of hours of anxious anticipation, Malena returned to her dining room table, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and trepidation. She refreshed her inbox, hoping for a glimmer of good news, but alas, no replies greeted her. Some responses trickled in, polite rejections from band management teams, but Malena took it in stride. She knew rejection was a possibility, but it didn't deter her determination. She had backup plans tucked away, but her resolve remained unwavering.

With a deep breath, she reminded herself of her goal: to forge new connections and friendships within the music industry. The prospect of embarking on this journey filled her with a sense of purpose, fueling her determination. Malena was resolute in her belief that she could make it in the industry, armed with her unyielding mindset and unwavering passion.

As she sat at her table, the distant buzz of her phone interrupted her thoughts. Racing to the kitchen, she snatched up her phone, her heart pounding in anticipation. An unknown number flashed on the screen, but she didn't hesitate to answer. Excitement bubbled within her as she heard the familiar voice on the other end, though she struggled to place it amidst her excitement.

"Hi, this is she," Malena greeted, her voice tinged with anticipation as she eagerly awaited the caller's response. Placing her phone on speaker, she listened intently as Luna from band management introduced herself. Malena couldn't contain her excitement, her grin stretching from ear to ear as Luna expressed her preference for phone calls over emails.

"Of course," Malena replied eagerly, her words tumbling out in a rush as she shared snippets of her background and aspirations. Her passion for music management and her dream of working as a merchandise slinger for the band spilled forth, each word tinged with excitement and determination.

Luna's response filled Malena with a sense of validation and euphoria. The realization that her dreams were on the brink of becoming reality sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins. Motionless In White, her dream band, was seeking someone like her to join their team, and Malena couldn't contain her joy.

With tears of joy brimming in her eyes, Malena thanked Luna profusely, her gratitude pouring forth in a torrent of emotion. Little did she know, this phone call marked the beginning of a journey that would change her life forever.