ROCKSTAR NERY

At twenty-six, Nery felt like he’d been running in circles his whole life. Dead-end jobs, bills he could barely pay, and dreams that seemed to vanish the moment he reached for them. Warehouse shifts, late-night bartending, delivery runs—it didn’t matter. Every pay check felt like chains, every boss a reminder that the world didn’t see him. He’d grown used to the grind, but music… music was different. When he held his battered guitar, the world stopped. The strings weren’t just wood and metal—they were a portal, a pulse, a lifeline. Every chord he strummed reminded him he was meant for more than the life that swallowed him whole. But Nery’s world wasn’t just empty streets and flickering neon lights. At home, tension bubbled beneath the surface. His mother, Jessica, worried constantly. “Nery, when are you going to get serious?” she asked one night, folding laundry in the dim kitchen. “I’m tired of seeing you chase dreams that don’t pay the rent.” “I am serious,” Nery shot back, frustration brimming. “This… music—it’s my life, Mom. I can’t just give it up.” Jessica’s sigh was heavy. “I know you’ve got talent, but talent doesn’t put food on the table. You’ve got to survive first. I just… I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Nery stared at her, the weight of years pressing down. “I am surviving. I’m surviving in a way that matters. One day, you’ll see. I’ll be bigger than this whole neighbourhood. Bigger than all of this.” She shook her head, uncertain if he meant it—or if she was watching him walk into a storm she couldn’t stop. Outside, the city hummed with its relentless rhythm, indifferent to his struggles. Neon signs flickered, cars honked, life went on. But Nery felt a spark, a pull, a whisper that he was meant for something more. He had no idea the world would answer that whisper—and that it would come with a price. The restaurant was bustling as usual, the clinking of glasses and chatter filling the air. I was in the middle of serving a table when I noticed a familiar face walk in. It was John, my old friend from university. He was with a woman who looked equally sophisticated, and they were clearly ready to splurge. As I approached their table, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of surprise and nostalgia. “John? Is that you?” I asked, a smile spreading across my face. He looked up, his eyes lighting up. “Nery! Wow, it’s been ages!” We shared a warm hug, and I couldn’t help but notice how much he’d changed. He was dressed to the nines, exuding confidence and success. “You’ve really made it big, huh?” I said, gesturing to the fancy drinks and food he’d ordered. He laughed, a bit sheepishly. “Yeah, life’s been good. But it’s really great to see you, man. How have you been?” We chatted for a bit, catching up on old times and sharing a few laughs. It was like no time had passed at all, and it felt good to reconnect. As I served them, I could sense that something was different about him, something intriguing. Little did I know, this reunion would be the start of something that would change everything. The evening was winding down, and the restaurant was starting to empty out. John, with a gleam in his eye, turned to me and said, “Hey Nery, after you’re done here, why don’t you come by my place? I’d love to show you around. It’s been too long, and I think you’ll be impressed.” I hesitated for a moment, but curiosity got the better of me. “Alright, man, I’m in. Let’s see what you’ve got!” When I arrived at his place, I was absolutely taken aback. It was a mansion, a stunning testament to success. The driveway was lined with luxury cars, and the interior was even more impressive. John could see the astonishment on my face and chuckled. “Yeah, it’s a bit of a change from our uni days, huh?” I nodded, still in awe. “Man, how did you do it? This is incredible.” He smiled, a bit of nostalgia in his eyes. “It’s been a journey, man. A lot of hard work, a bit of luck, and some good decisions along the way. But seeing you here… it makes me realize how far we’ve come.” We spent the next few hours chatting, reminiscing, and dreaming. For me, it was a powerful reminder of what was possible, and it lit a fire in me to chase my own dreams even harder. As we settled into the cozy bar area, the soft glow of ambient lights cast a warm atmosphere around us. I took a sip of my drink, feeling a mix of admiration and frustration. “John, I’ve got to tell you, I really want to be like you, man,” I began, my voice tinged with sincerity. “I’ve been working so hard, but it feels like I'm just barely getting by. I still live with my mom at 26, and I just… I want that big life, you know? How did you do it? Show me the way.” John paused for a moment, his expression turning serious. “Nery, I get it. I really do. But are you willing to make the sacrifices I made?” I frowned, a bit puzzled. “What do you mean?” He leaned in, his voice low. “Before you can really make it big, you need to be ready to give up certain things. It’s not just about hard work. It’s about what you’re willing to let go of, the comforts, the time, the peace. It’s a whole different level.” That statement hung in the air, and I felt a surge of determination mixed with a bit of apprehension. I knew this was the kind of challenge that could change everything. As the night wore on, the mansion’s grandeur seemed to whisper of possibilities—and dangers. I realized that John’s success wasn’t just about talent and hard work. There was a shadowy path behind it, and I was eager—and maybe a bit wary—to learn more.