Autumn Leaves (Ed Sheeran)

Open Mic Night

"Hello," a boy with firey red hair said to the audience. It was in a pub-type place, an autumn Friday, Open Mic Night. The boy was carrying a small Martin guitar, dead center of the small platform stage, with a mic in front of him. I was sort of in the middle, totally focused, and sitting alone. His voice was raspy, but it had sweetness in it. "My name is Ed, I'm gonna be singing a song I wrote. This is called 'Give Me Love.'"

He strummed his guitar and he instantly had everyone in the palm of his hands. He got so into the music, getting lost and mesmerized by his own voice. He opened his eyes as he sang the last words. "Goodnight and joy be with you all..." he ended. It was silent for a moment. Then everyone, including myself, clapped. He's amazing. He left the stage, and packed his guitar.

I took a sip of my drink and suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder. "Mind if I join you?" It was Ed. He smiled which made me smile too. "I don't mind at all," I said. He sat in the chair in front of me, trying to get the waiter's attention. A waiter finally came, "How may I help you?" Ed smiled again, "A beer please?" The waiter took his order, "Anything else?" Ed looked at me, "My treat." I shook my head, "No thanks." "That's all, thank you." The waiter nodded and left.

"May I know your name?" Ed asked. "Layla," I replied. We talked for what seemed like forever, and I enjoyed every second of it. He was very humble, he talked little of himself, asked more about me. We got to know each other just a little and it became late. I looked at my phone, it's 11:47pm. "I should get going," I say, sad to leave. I stood up and left the money on the table. "It was nice talking to you, Ed. I hope you go far in your music career," I say, tucking in my chair. He stood, "Thank you." And we smiled, and I left the pub.