When I Come Around(a billie joe armstrong story)

The Awakening

The morning sun poured into Billie Joe Armstrong's bedroom, illuminating the space in a golden hue that felt almost surreal. He lay in bed for a moment, eyes fluttering open to the soft, warm light cascading through the half-drawn curtains. The world outside was waking up, filled with the sounds of chirping birds and distant traffic, but inside, the remnants of sleep clung to him like a cozy blanket.

As he blinked away the remnants of a dream, a wave of urgency swept over him. The laughter from the previous night still echoed in his mind—a sound so rich and joyful it felt foreign after so much silence. Adeline's laughter had been a balm for his soul, a reminder of the connection they used to share, now frayed but not broken. He couldn't shake the image of her bright smile and sparkling eyes, full of life and mischief, and it ignited a determination in him.

Billie threw off the covers, his heart racing with a sense of purpose. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, feeling the coolness of the wooden floor beneath his bare feet. The chill was invigorating, pulling him further into the present, and he took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp morning air. Today was a new day, and he was ready to take steps toward mending the fractured relationship with his daughter.

He glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings—the band posters plastered on the walls, the guitars hanging like trophies of his past. But it was the thought of what lay in the attic that pulled at him. Last night had been a breakthrough; he needed to build on that momentum. With a determined nod, he headed for the attic, his mind racing with possibilities.

As he climbed the stairs, the wood creaked underfoot, a familiar sound that resonated with the history of their home. He reached the attic door, its weight pressing against his palm as he pushed it open. The scent of dust and old wood filled the air, wrapping around him like an embrace from the past. Sunlight streamed in through a small window, illuminating the chaos of forgotten memories stacked high—boxes of old clothes, toys from their childhood, and trinkets that had once meant everything.

"Come on, where are you?" he muttered, shoving aside a stack of old concert t-shirts that had long lost their vibrancy. The attic was a labyrinth of his family's history, and each box he opened felt like a chapter waiting to be reread. He sifted through faded photographs, dusty records, and the remnants of lives lived, feeling both nostalgic and bittersweet.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, something caught his attention—a worn, dusty case tucked away behind a stack of old books, partially obscured by cobwebs that whispered of time's passage. His heart raced as he approached it, intrigued by the mystery it held. Billie carefully pulled the case into the light, wiping away the dust with the back of his hand.

As he opened it, a rush of memories flooded over him, each one tinged with both joy and regret. Inside lay Adeline's old guitar, a once-vibrant instrument that had seen better days. The wood was scuffed and faded, yet it still bore the shape and essence of the music they had created together. Billie picked it up gently, cradling it in his arms as if it were made of glass.

A flood of memories cascaded over him, bringing with it the warmth of those shared moments—sitting together in the living room, the air thick with laughter as they strummed out chords. He recalled how she would struggle at first, fingers awkwardly fumbling over the strings, yet her determination had been unyielding. The glow of pride that filled her eyes when she finally hit a note right was a sight he had cherished deeply, one he desperately wanted to experience again.

"I can fix this," he whispered to himself, determination blossoming in his chest. This guitar could be the bridge he so longed for, a means of reconnecting with Adeline, of rekindling the bond that had faded. He imagined her surprise when she saw it, the joy that would light up her face. Maybe this would help her see that he was truly trying to be a better father.