PAGES OF MY LIFE

Part 11: Evan's POV

The crowd roared with applause as the final notes of the song echoed through the concert hall. Sweat dripped down my face, my chest heaving from the intensity of the performance. I stood on the stage, bathed in the glow of the spotlight, listening to the thunderous cheers and seeing the sea of faces looking up at me in admiration.

But as I scanned the audience, I felt the familiar ache in my heart—one that had lingered for years. I had hoped, once again, to see her there. To see Thandar's face in the crowd, smiling up at me, cheering me on like she used to. But as always, she wasn't there.

Instead, it was Lai and Lee, my constant supporters, who were there, waving at me from the front row. They had been with me through it all, always by my side, even when Thandar had vanished from my life.

After the show, I headed backstage, the energy of the performance still pulsing through my veins. Lai and Lee were waiting for me, their faces lit up with excitement.

"You were amazing out there, Evan!" Lai exclaimed, wrapping me in a tight hug. "The crowd loved you!"

Lee clapped me on the shoulder, his grin wide. "Another killer performance, man. You keep raising the bar every time."

I smiled, grateful for their support. But even in this moment of triumph, my thoughts drifted back to Thandar. I had spent years chasing my dream, achieving everything I had once talked about with her. Yet, the one thing I had always hoped for—to share these moments with her—had never come true.

"Thanks, guys," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm glad you're here."

Lai's smile faltered slightly as she caught the look in my eyes. She had always been perceptive, always aware of the thoughts I tried to hide. "You're thinking about her again, aren't you? About Thandar."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah... I guess I can't help it. Every time I step on that stage, I can't help but wish she was here. I keep hoping that one day I'll look out into the crowd and see her."

Lee leaned against the wall, his expression sympathetic. "It's been a long time, Evan. I know you still care about her, but... maybe it's time to let go."

"I know, Lee," I replied, my voice soft. "Believe me, I've tried. But no matter how many years pass, she's always there in the back of my mind. I wonder where she is, what she's doing... if she ever thinks about me."

Lai's eyes softened as she stepped closer, placing a hand on my arm. "Evan, you've accomplished so much. You've become everything you dreamed of being. But you can't keep holding on to the past. Thandar made her choice, and you need to make peace with that."

I looked down, the weight of her words sinking in. "I know you're right. But it's hard. She was such a big part of my life, and I guess... I never really got closure. I never understood why she left without a word."

Lee nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Sometimes we don't get the answers we're looking for. But you've got us, man. We're here for you, and we always will be."

I managed a small smile, grateful for their unwavering support. "I don't know what I'd do without you two. You've been my rock through all of this."

Lai squeezed my arm, her smile gentle. "And we always will be. But Evan, you need to start thinking about your future—about what's next for you, not what's behind you."

I nodded slowly, knowing she was right. I had spent so long holding on to a memory, to a hope that would never be realized. It was time to focus on the life I had built, the career I had fought so hard for, and the friends who had stood by me through everything.

But as we left the venue and stepped out into the night, I couldn't help but glance back one last time, wondering if somewhere out there, Thandar was thinking of me too.