Erick was convicted for intentional kidnapping, harm, and extortion. Alistair insisted that I go for a full-body checkup at the hospital, and fortunately, everything turned out fine.
One evening, my father suddenly asked Alistair and me to come to his place for dinner. Afterward, he called Alistair into his study for about an hour.
I had no idea what they talked about, but every time they came out, Alistair was in a good mood. A week later, he handed me an invitation.
It was for the concert he had been rehearsing for the past month, going out early and coming back late. I had heard Alistair play the piano many times in my life, but it was always just a private experience. I'd seen him on screen, full of energy and charisma, but I'd never truly attended one of his performances.
I didn't decline.
That afternoon, I went out of my way to get ready, picking out my favorite outfit and ordering the flowers he liked best. Alistair had arranged for us to sit in a prime location with a perfect view.
As I looked around at the audience, all of whom loved him so much, I felt nothing but joy for him. The lights outside dimmed, and the whole hall became silent.
Then, the stage lights came on.
Alistair was already standing on stage, though I hadn't even noticed when he'd gotten there.
Unlike his usual self, dressed in a suit for performances, tonight he wore a black coat with a red scarf.
I recognized the outfit.
It was the same one he wore when I visited him on New Year's Eve when I was 18. My father had moved us into a bigger house, and it was the first New Year in the new place. I rushed to Alistair's house to visit him.
I messaged him downstairs, and he hurriedly came down without having time to put on his clothes properly, throwing on a black coat. The gift I gave him that year was a red scarf.
I wanted to help him put it on.
"Can you lower your head? Is it that hard to let me put on your scarf?" I'd said. Alistair obediently lowered his head.
"I'm sorry, I didn't notice."
Snowflakes fell from the sky, swirling around us. Alistair stood tall amidst the snowfall, the red scarf against his dark coat—a breathtaking sight.
At that age, when I was rebellious and didn't know better, I never dared to disrespect Alistair.
But thankfully, all these years later, he was still there, standing firm.
I overheard some fans beside me whispering.
"Ahhhh, Alistair changed his look! He looks so handsome!"
"Do you believe it? Alistair must be in a relationship. You can tell from the outfit, it's definitely his girlfriend's choice."
"If he really is in a relationship, I'm so happy for him. Alistair is so great, the girl he likes must be amazing."
"He's written so many beautiful songs for us, I just hope a girl can be by his side and share his life."
