90 Days in London

Chapter 6: Zachary

First day in London.

It’s not bad at all. The very first thing on Clarence’s list is Sam Smith. Standing alone in the middle of a massive crowd at the O2 Arena, she feels a sudden flicker of uncertainty about her outfit. She has no idea what to wear for this vibrant crowd—everyone else looks so effortlessly cool—but in the end, she sticks to her usual style: a black knee-length skirt, thick tights, and a cozy sweater. To add just a hint of edge, she slips on her trusty black riding boots, feeling a little more confident to face the sea of people.

By 7 PM, the energy in the arena is electric. Clarence is swept up in the crowd, the excitement buzzing in the air. The setlist, packed with hits from 2015 to the present, sends waves of nostalgia rushing over her, each song bringing back memories of a different time. The arena is a riot of lights, flashing in time with the music, making the atmosphere feel almost tangible.

She thinks she’s on her own, lost in the music, but as the opening chords of “Stay With Me” float through the air, she can’t help but join in. Her voice blends with the countless others around her, the crowd’s collective harmony creating a beautiful, powerful sound that echoes off the high ceilings. Clarence sways to the rhythm, feeling completely enveloped by the music, as if it’s wrapping her in a warm hug.

“Do you want to come with us? We have an after-party near Camden!” A girl with golden braids suddenly shouts over the music, grabbing her attention.

“Yeah, come with us!” adds another girl, her long black hair catching the stage lights, framing her tanned face with a bright, welcoming smile.

Clarence hesitates for just a second, considering the invitation. But the energy of the night, the rush of the concert, and the excitement of spontaneity push her to throw caution to the wind. Why not? This is the adventure she’s been craving.

After the concert ends and the final notes of “How Do You Sleep?” fade into the night, the three of them make their way through the buzzing crowd. Laughter and chatter mix with the remnants of the performance, creating a festive vibe that carries them outside. The cool London air greets them, filled with the tempting aroma of street food from nearby vendors.

They grab a cab, cramming into the back seat, still buzzing with the evening’s energy. As the cab pulls away, the city lights streak past the windows, each flash illuminating their faces in quick bursts. The driver expertly navigates the winding streets, and the energy of the night seems to pulse in the very air around them.

“Camden is wild!” the girl with the golden braids exclaims, her excitement infectious. “You’re going to love it!”

The cab turns onto Camden High Street, and Clarence is immediately hit with a kaleidoscope of colors—neon signs, quirky storefronts, and the unmistakable hum of music spilling out of pubs and clubs.