Kapitel 3: Chapter 3: “The Shifting Winds”
As the first year faded away in the blink of an eye, twelve more years passed just as quickly. Clara, excited about her son's development, had decided that as soon as Ethan started to talk, she would teach him to sing. During those years, Ethan grew up surrounded by love and discovered his passion for music, learning to play the guitar, piano, and drums, thanks to his mother's dedication. As a singing teacher, she instilled in him her love for the art.
Meanwhile, Roberto had successfully completed his business project, bringing stability and happiness to their home. Ethan attended a private school in Los Angeles, where he made friends whose parents were well-known artists. The vibrant city offered endless opportunities, and the radio was filled with newly released hits like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," successes by Michael Jackson that had captivated the world. Clara dreamed of her son becoming the next big star, just like the young Michael, who had dazzled everyone with his talent and whose first album had conquered the music scene.
Ethan's days flowed with laughter and rehearsals, nurturing his talent without being aware of the previous life he had left behind. However, at night, strange dreams invaded his mind, fragments of foreign memories resonating in his heart. He cataloged them as odd dreams, without understanding their true significance.
Yet, the bad luck that had followed him in his previous life would not take long to appear, threatening his comfortable lifestyle. That evening, Roberto returned home with a grave expression, and the atmosphere grew heavy.
— "Ethan," Roberto began, his voice shaking, "there's something we need to talk about. I'm afraid there's no way to sugarcoat the news."
Ethan felt a knot in his stomach. His father's face reflected a mix of exhaustion and concern. Roberto continued to explain that he had bet everything on a new project for his company, one that had promised to be a great success. However, after several failed attempts, the reality was that he hadn't been able to replicate his previous success. As a consequence, they would have to sell nearly all their possessions and move to a more affordable place.
— "We'll have to leave Los Angeles," Roberto said, sadness in his eyes. "We can no longer afford our life here. We'll sell some things: instruments, clothes… whatever we can."
Clara, with a resigned expression, added that she would also have to return to full-time work. This meant that Ethan would spend most of his time alone. His parents' words echoed in his mind as he processed the news.
— "Where are we going?" Ethan asked, trying to remain calm.
— "To Bakersfield," Clara replied. "It's cheaper, and there are good opportunities there. But you'll have to leave your school."
Ethan felt a mix of helplessness and maturity upon hearing this. Deep down, he experienced a familiar sensation, as if it wasn't the first time he found himself in this situation, even though he knew it was impossible.
That same night, in a hotel room on the outskirts of Bakersfield, Ethan fell into a strange dream, one that quickly turned into a nightmare. He saw himself on stage, though his appearance was different. He sang with a voice that didn't belong to him, yet came from his own mouth. It was a song he had never heard:
"So I won't wait no more, no more
It's time to act, I'm sure
There's no need to complicate, our time is short
This is our fate, I'm yours."
Although the lyrics and melody were good, his singing was barely acceptable. The crowd began to realize and boo him. A feeling of helplessness filled his body; he tried to sing better, but he couldn't. He knew he was dreaming, but he wished to change it, yet felt powerless.
He woke up in the middle of the night, agitated and sweating from the strange dream he had.
— "Damn, I've become so anxious," he thought as he glanced at the clock: 5 a.m. He had classes in three hours at his new school.
— "Damn, I hope there aren't fake people like at my previous school. Thinking that, now that we moved to a worse place, the people I considered my friends have stopped talking to me. Not even my messages reach them on MetaBook, as if they've blocked me."
The song from his dream, although he had never heard it, felt so familiar. The tune and lyrics weren't bad; he wondered if he could recreate it. With determination, Ethan began to try to remember the song, humming the melody that was still fresh in his mind. When he had something somewhat solid, he jumped out of bed and searched for his songbook, a hard-covered brown notebook that had been gifted to him on his tenth birthday. He had carried it with him for a year, trying to write original songs without success.
He searched for a blank page and began to write musical symbols that represented the melody. Then, carefully, he transcribed the lyrics that still stuck in his mind:
*"Well, you done, caught me in, you bet I felt it*
*I tried to be cool, but you're so hot that I melted*
*I fell right through the cracks*
*Now I'm trying to get back*
*Before the cool runs out, I'll be giving it my bestest*
*And nothing's gonna stop me but fate's intervention*
*I reckon it's once again my turn*
*To win some or learn some."*
Author's note: the song is called "I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz.
Ethan closed his notebook with determination, the excitement and fear intertwined in his chest. He remembered his father's words, who always said, "True bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to move forward despite it." That phrase echoed in his mind, and at that moment, he felt it was time to put it into practice.
He sat on his bed and grabbed a sheet of paper, deciding to make a list of his goals. At the top, he wrote: 1. Overcome my stage fright.
Then he thought about how he could face that fear while also helping his parents with their financial situation. Suddenly, an idea illuminated his mind.
— "This very afternoon," he told himself, "after school, I'll go to Mingus Park, where I know people go to have fun. If I can shake off my embarrassment by performing in front of strangers for money, then I won't mind stepping onto a stage in the future."
With his heart racing, Ethan felt lighter. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to fight for his dream.
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*"Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." —Charles R. Swindoll*
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein