04 ♥ audio (Jan. 22)

[matadorable]

[After Newton's request, Manolo wasn't able to think about anything else, and the usual compulsion to play his guitar only grew more intense with every hour that passed.

He knows what he needs to do now, despite the way his stomach keeps doing flip-flops at the thought of broadcasting something so personal, pieces of his very heart, for everyone to hear.

Eventually, Manolo scrapes up the courage to turn on the feed.

He wants to dedicate this music to everyone who needs someone right now, whether it's because they're lonely, sad, or frightened. But Newton already cautioned him against making any sort of preamble, so without a word he begins to gently strum his guitar.

Unlike his public performance earlier this month, however, these songs have a distinct ranchera sound to them and are completely Manolo's own work. Each word, each note serves as a bridge into his soul.

The first piece (which may vaguely sound like this) is inspired by Newton's original message. An appeal for people to reach out if they need a shoulder to cry on, to let themselves be vulnerable enough to receive help, and to call on Manolo if they need someone to support them. A solid reminder of the power of friendship, of community, and the universal need to lean on somebody. His soulful words carry a strong sense of warmth, love and security that anyone listening to the live broadcast may end up sharing themselves.

The second piece has the mellow tone and rhythm of a soothing lullaby that might remind someone of this a little bit, and it includes gentle reassurances that everything's going to be alright, so please, try to relax, let your mind unwind, and allow your body to get the rest it may need. People listening to the live feed may find some much-needed calm and respite in this particular song, and anyone who's been struggling to rest lately might discover that the song has temporarily taken the edge off their stress and anxiety enough to help them finally get some shut-eye once bedtime actually rolls around.

Once both songs reach their conclusion, and the final chords fade away, Manolo quietly ends the broadcast.]

Comments

[matadorable]

A professional? [He considers that word for a moment.] That's a good question. I'd...like to be?

[subourbon]

Well, I have an event planning business and I'd love to hire you for any events that may need live music! It would be great exposure for you!

[matadorable]

Wow, you have your own business? [That is so cool!] I'd love to help in any way I can! Not just for the exposure, but because music is basically my life, you know? Playing my guitar is like breathing to me.

[subourbon]

Your talent absolutely needs to be shared, and I would be honoured to help give you a platform for that!

[matadorable]

Thank you very much! If you need a guitarrista, day or night, you can count on me. [A beat.] Oh! My name is Manolo Sanchez, by the way.

[subourbon]

Alison Hendrix, it's a pleasure. I wish we were meeting in happier times, but I'll definitely be in contact with you when things settle down a bit.

[She didn't exactly expect to be planning many celebrations with war having been declared.]

[matadorable]

Nice to meet you, Alison. I'm happy to help out anyway I can. [Then, a little softer, he adds:] Let's hope our days become happier sooner than we expect.

[subourbon]

I think that's all everyone is hoping for.

[She's quiet or a second.]

Did you lose someone as well?

[matadorable]

...Yes. Two of my roommates, a good friend who was kind enough to take me into his home for a little while last month, among others.

[subourbon]

I'm so sorry to hear that, Manolo. I'm sure they're safe and will be found soon.

[matadorable]

Thank you. I really hope we can find everyone quickly. [A pause.] ...You know someone who was taken too?

[subourbon]

... my sister. But I've heard from her, so I know she's okay.

[matadorable]

[Manolo frowns at that. Family being separated from family is so sad...]

Thank goodness for that. I'm sorry to hear she was taken, though. Is she your older or younger sister?

[subourbon]

[Well, it's probably best to go with some version of the truth.]

Cosima is older, but not by much. We're quintuplets.

[matadorable]

Quintuplets! So, like...five of you, right? That's amazing.

[subourbon]

Yes, well, it's a long story. We were all separated for a very long time, but now we're back together again.

[Again, technically not a lie.]

[matadorable]

Sounds like a real story! I'm glad you found each other, though. Family should stick together if they can. [He sounds sincere about it, too.]

[subourbon]

[That's a lesson she's learned over and over the past year or so, and it's good to hear this nice young man affirming that.]

I think so to. I take it you and your family are very close?

[matadorable]

We were, yes. Where I come from, family is everything.

[subourbon]

That's a lovely sentiment, Manolo. I can only hope my children will grow up feeling the same way.

[She knows that Oscar is on the cusp of that age where he might now want to hold her hand in public anymore, and the thought always breaks her heart a little.]

[matadorable]

I think...if you love and support them even when they do something that's disappointing, then they'll feel the same way. That's how it was for me.

[subourbon]

[Part of her wonders if she would have turned out differently had her mother subscribed to that kind of parenting.]

Well, I'll be sure to keep that in mind as Oscar and Gemma grow up. But they're very good kids and I can't imagine ever being anything but proud of them.

[They're Hendrixes, after all.]

[matadorable]

You're a mother?

[subourbon]

[She instinctively nods, even though she knows he can't see.]

Mm-hm.

[It doesn't matter that they're adopted. They're hers, as far as she's concerned.]

[matadorable]

That's wonderful. [His voice is quiet but warm.] You sound like you love your children very much.