Silent Ties

The Album Release

Seven months had passed in what felt like the blink of an eye. Those months were filled with long days in the studio, countless hours of practice, and endless moments of self-discovery. The bond between Angel and Adele had deepened, and with Adele’s guidance, Angel had crafted an album that was a reflection of her heart, soul, and talent.

When the album was finally ready, Angel was both excited and nervous. She knew it was something special, something she had poured everything into, but there was one thing she still wanted: to give credit where credit was due.

“Adele, I want to add your name to the album title,” Angel said one day, as they sat together in the studio, the finished tracks playing softly in the background. “You’ve done so much for me. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without you.”

But Adele shook her head, her expression firm but kind. “Look, dear, this is your album. It’s your life, your voice, and your journey. I’m not going to ruin that by overshadowing you. If you mention me in any way, they’ll only see me. And that’s not what this is about. You deserve to stand on your own.”

Angel knew Adele was right, but it didn’t make it any easier. She felt such deep gratitude toward Adele that it seemed almost wrong not to acknowledge her. But she respected Adele’s wishes, and when the album was released, it carried only Angel’s name.

The response was overwhelming. People loved the album, connecting with the raw emotion and authenticity in Angel’s voice. The songs resonated with listeners, and her unique sound began to carve out a space in the music world. Although Angel was new to the industry, her talent shone through, and she quickly gained a following.

When the awards season came around, Angel was thrilled to receive several nominations. She wasn’t expecting to win anything major, but when her name was called for a few smaller awards, she couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride. As Adele had said, it was an excellent achievement for a first album.

But despite the recognition and the accolades, something still gnawed at Angel. She knew she couldn’t let this moment pass without expressing her gratitude publicly. When she took the stage to accept one of her awards, she spoke from the heart.

“I want to thank everyone who’s supported me and believed in my music,” she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “But there’s one person I need to thank above all—someone who has been my guide, my mentor, and my inspiration. Adele, you’ve been my everything in this journey. I wouldn’t be here without you.”

The audience erupted in applause, and Angel felt a weight lift from her shoulders. It didn’t matter what anyone else thought; she had spoken her truth, and that was all that mattered.

Later, when Angel returned backstage, she found a message from Adele waiting for her. It was short but filled with warmth: “I’m proud of you, Angel. You’ve done something incredible, and you deserve every bit of it. But remember, this is just the beginning. Your journey is only just starting.”

Angel smiled as she read the words, feeling a mix of emotions. She knew that Adele was right. This was just the first chapter of her career, and while there would be challenges ahead, she felt ready to face them.

She had found her voice, and with Adele’s guidance and her own determination, she knew she was on the path she was meant to walk.