The Kings: A Band's Tale

A Small Holiday [19]

It had only been a few days since The Kings wrapped up the recording of their latest album, Railways, Aircraft, Vehicles. The album was a tribute to the wonders of transport vehicles, reflections of life's paths and Uno's deeply personal memories. But despite its success, Uno couldn't shake a feeling of melancholy that clung to him like fog.

Denise noticed it instantly that morning. Uno, usually the heart and soul of their lively crew, seemed quieter than usual, sitting with his arms folded on the back porch of his manor, gazing out at the morning mist rolling over the grounds. She came up quietly, her brown hair catching the early sunlight as she offered him a warm smile.

"Hey, Uno," she said softly, taking a seat next to him. "How're you feeling?"

Uno took a deep breath and glanced at her, eyes heavy with unspoken worries. "A bit blue, to be honest, Denise. All this work... and some days, it feels like it just weighs on me."

Denise reached over, her hand covering his. "Do you want to get away for a bit?"

Uno nodded, his gaze softening. "I was thinking of visiting my grandparents... maybe go fishing by the lake like we used to."

Her face brightened. "That sounds perfect. Do you... want to make it a date?"

At this, Uno's lips curled into a small smile. "Yeah, I'd like that." His eyes sparkled a bit more as he added, "But you know, somehow I think we won't be able to keep it just the two of us."

Just then, the rest of the band, lounging in the kitchen, perked up. Maury, their guitarist with his greyish hair and ever-ready grin, called over, "Fishing, did I hear fishing?"

Lance, the green-haired bassist, added, "Are you kidding? Count us in!"

Angelo and Matt shared a glance, nodding with excitement. The kitchen had quickly erupted into a discussion, each member already gathering essentials. Within minutes, word spread, and soon, even the honorary members-Olivia, Jada, Avva, Dara, Zoey, and Kate-were buzzing with excitement.

Uno chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like our 'date' just turned into a group trip. You okay with that, Denise?"

She laughed and squeezed his hand. "With you? Always."

---

The quiet lake nestled by the forest outside Swindon held a special place in Uno's heart. It was where he'd spent countless summer days with his grandparents, who had raised him with more warmth than he'd ever known from his parents. The band and honorary members, equipped with fishing gear, laughter, and a fair amount of snacks, spread out along the shore, the air filled with excitement and chatter.

Uno's grandparents, waiting at the lakeside cabin, were ready to welcome everyone with open arms. They shared a warm embrace with Uno, sensing immediately the shadows in his gaze.

"It's good to see you, Uno," his grandmother said gently. She eyed him with concern, whispering to Denise when Uno wandered off to his favorite fishing spot beneath the old oak tree. "He's not himself, is he?"

Denise hesitated, watching Uno from a distance as he unpacked his fishing rod in silence. "I think it's everything catching up to him, honestly. The stress of the band, recording, and..." She glanced down. "He has a lot of painful memories. His parents..."

Uno's grandfather frowned, a look of deep sympathy crossing his face. "Those memories haunt him, don't they?"

Denise nodded. "And it doesn't help that he's always a target online. People who don't know him just... say awful things. He doesn't respond to it; he never does. But I know it still gets to him."