Perfumed Secrets | Kurt Cobain

Blurring out my periphery

The first hours of 1991 were bathed in a much-needed celebratory aura. The venue, still reverberating with the lingering energy of the concert, had extended its doors to the bands and a handful of attendees for a post-show gathering.

"C'mon, Faye, it's New Year's!" Dave's voice cut through the din of laughter and clinking glasses, offering her a shot. Faye dithered, glancing over at Kurt, who was abstaining from drinking.

"Go ahead, baby," Kurt encouraged, offering her a supportive smile. She hesitated before shrugging, deciding to join in. With a deep breath, she lifted the shot glass to her lips, the familiar sting of tequila warming her throat as she downed the drink.

"C'mon, let's dance," Shelli grabbed her by the fist and pulled her onto the dance floor.

Everything unfolded in a blur of colors and sounds and the promise of a fresh start. Faye was talking with newfound acquaintances, swapping stories and sharing laughter as they welcomed the dawn of a new year. After a while of dancing, she scanned her surroundings, trying to spot Kurt, but with no success.

The night wore on and the crowd thinned, and as the venue lights were suddenly turned on, it elicited a collective booing sound from the remaining attendees caught off guard and reluctant to leave.

Faye searched once more for Kurt in the room, but still found no sight of him. "I think he's probably outside," Shelli tried to calm her.

When they stepped out the door, Faye's eyes immediately fell on Kurt, standing by the curb engaged in conversation with one of the musicians from a local band that had performed earlier that night. Without a second thought, she hurried over to him.

"Kurt!" she exclaimed, her breath coming in short gasps as she reached him. "Where were you?"

He excused himself from the others and turned to her. "Oh, I was just talking to these guys that performed tonight," he replied vaguely, his words lacking conviction.

"Is everything alright?" Faye couldn't help but notice the evasiveness in his tone, and the way his gaze seemed to dart away from hers.

Kurt offered her a tight-lipped smile, but his gaze remained guarded. "Yeah, yeah, everything's fine," he assured her, though it rang hollow.

She stared at him until their eyes finally met. "Are you feeling fine? Is your stomach okay?"

"Yeah, I'm feeling better now,"  he replied, but the unease in his eyes told a different story.

"Are you sure? Maybe we could go to the ER or something, just to be safe." She was starting to get worried again.

Kurt waved her concerns away with a dismissive gesture. "Nah, it's nothing," he insisted. "This kinda happens to me all the time. I've had worse."

Faye sighed, her worry only deepening at his refusal to seek medical attention. "How come you never told me this?" She asked.

"I didn't want to bother you with it," he admitted quietly.

"You could never bother me, Kurt," she reached out and took his hand in hers, her touch warm and reassuring. "I just want to make sure you're okay, I'd hate to see you in pain."

His face reflected a mixture of appreciation and stubborn resolve. "Thanks, Faye," he murmured. "But really, I don't want you worrying about it, especially not on New Year's Eve."

"Guys, I'm heading out," Dave announced, approaching them. "I met this chick, and she invited me over. Guess you two won't be bothered by me after all, huh?"

Kurt chuckled. "Have fun, Dave," he said, giving him a pat on the back.

"You too, just don't have too much fun," he teased, waving them off before disappearing into the night.