Page 124 of Cadence
The intro’s soft, the melody completely different on the acoustic versus the electric I usually play. It’s not perfect, but that’s the point. It’s bare and exposed, just voice and guitar.
You were the ghost I wasn’t ready to see
The weight of something I couldn’t set free
You called me out, cracked me open
Seen all the parts I thought were broken
The comments are flooding in fast and furious, but I don’t pay them any attention, closing my eyes instead and getting lost in the memory of her looking at me from across the drum kit.
With every beat, you were tearing down the past
But I built my walls higher to make the silence last
I hated that you saw me, hated how much I cared
But I never prepared for the ache when you weren’t there
My voice shakes as I reach the bridge, and I don’t care. I sing through it, reaching the part I didn’t think I’d be able to. Until now.
I thought if I kept you out, it would keep you safe
Thought if I said nothing, and took it to the grave
But the silence cuts deeper than lies ever could
You needed me gentle, I gave what I could
The screen blurs, and I blink the stinging sensation away from the back of my eyes.
I wouldn’t blame you if you turned the page
If you thought this was some kind of big mistake
But you gave me back what I thought was lost
The spark, the muse, no matter the cost
So if you’re still listening, if you’re still mine to lose
This is me, unfiltered, unfinished, always for you.
Chapter Fifty-Four
Paige
Heplaysthefinalchord, then deadens it with his hand. No fade out, no flourish. Pure silence. He looks straight into the camera, straight at me, and suddenly, it’s like we’re alone, back on tour, just us two.
My lungs forget how to work, my pulse hammers, and my breathing comes in low, short bursts. The comments blur on the screen in a frenzy, too fast for me to actually read.
OMFG, whoever she is, she’s so fucking lucky
Sick tour, dude, can’t wait to catch you again soon
Foxy Knoxy you don’t need her, I’m here baby
Again! Play it again!!!!
