Too Much To Ask |NH|

Epilogue

February 21, 2027

"And the Grammy for Best Pop Album goes to...Niall Horan - Living with Ghosts."

The crowd erupted in applause as Niall sat there, stunned, before standing up.  He turned and hugged Leni's mother and father, whom he had brought with him, before making his way to the stage.  It took him a minute, with several friends wanting to give him a hug along the way. 

When he reached the stage, he shook the hands of the two presenters and accepted his award.  Turning to face the audience, he knew he still had a shocked expression on his face.

"Wow...I...I can't believe I'm standing here right now.  I've always imagined winning this and I gotta say, it feels pretty good.  There are a lot of people to thank, and they know who they are and I've thanked them throughout the last couple of years for their never ending love and support, even when I wasn't the most lovable.  But, tonight," he started to tear up so he shook his head and regained his composure. "This moment is bittersweet. Tonight, and every night, I want to thank the one person who made this album with me.  Most of you, if not all of you, know who that is.  Her amazing parents are with me tonight," he paused for the applause that followed his statement before continuing, "I lost the love of my life a couple of years ago but she's still here with me." He placed his hand over his heart, "She still lives here.  She is still my light in the dark.  Without her guidance, I know I wouldn't be standing here right now.  She is the reason I'm here.  She is the reason for all of this; for everything I do.  She always gave me the confidence to go out and make the music I wanted to make.  I've stumbled a bit along the way to that, but I made sure, this go 'round, to do it all my way...for her.  This album...these songs...this award...this moment...it all belongs to her."