Chapter 38: Hidden Scars

It was the day of the competition. The energy in the van was electric. They had been practicing tirelessly over the past few weeks, sacrificing weekends, evenings, and any moment they could find. Determined to take first place again, they were confident but couldn't ignore the nervous energy in the air. Mr. Alfred, their ever-patient manager and unofficial cheerleader, chuckled at the excited chatter as he drove. 'Are you guys on your way?" Dorah's voice came through the phone. She was on a video call with them, her face filling the screen with a warm smile. 'Yes!" they chorused, their voices ringing in unison. Jason leaned forward. 'It would've been better if you were with us." 'Yeah, it doesn't feel right without you," Max added. 'She needs to rest," Max added more firmly, giving Jason a light smack on the back of the head. Dorah chuckled. 'I wish I were there too, but Mrs. Howard won't let me out." She turned the camera to show her mum across the room, focused on her laptop, then brought it back to her face. 'You guys shouldn't worry. I'll be rooting for you from here. I'll be watching you on TV. Bring the award home for me, okay?" Her words were simple but loaded with meaning. 'Okay, baby. We're almost there. Let's talk later," Jace said softly, holding the phone steady. 'How about a dinner date after the competition?" Dorah added playfully. 'If your mum will let you out," Ronald teased, causing a round of laughter. 'Then it's a deal?" she asked with a grin. 'Deal," they all replied, and the call ended, leaving a silence that was soon filled by focused anticipation. Backstage at the venue was buzzing with energy. The boys stepped in, their band name Young Stars already drawing glances. Dozens of bands were waiting their turn. Some looked nervous. Others were confident. Some practiced quietly in corners; others hyped themselves up with cheers and claps. 'Wow, it feels like it's been ages since I was last here," Max muttered, taking in the familiar yet intense atmosphere. 'You know, right? Not a lot has changed," Ronald agreed, scanning the room. 'Their kings are here," Jason said mockingly, his signature sarcasm returning, and the others chuckled. Except Jace. Jace stood silently, eyes distant. Max noticed. 'Jace, you good?" he asked, nudging his shoulder. 'Yeah… yeah, I'm good. Just a little nervous," Jace said, managing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. There was a large screen backstage showing the live event onstage. They watched bands perform one after another, cheering politely for some and sizing up others. Then came the announcement. 'Young Stars, get ready. You'll be called on stage next," a staff member said as he passed by. Their pulse collectively quickened. 'Guess this is it," Ronald said, his voice low but steady. 'Okay, let's not be nervous. We're going to rock this place today. Let's do this!" Max said, reaching his hand into the center. One by one, they placed their hands over his. Jace was the last, hesitating just a second too long before joining in. 'On the count of three. One, two, three........" 'We can do it!" they shouted together and let go. Their name was called. They stepped onto the stage, and the crowd erupted. Screams and cheers filled the arena. Lights beamed down on them as they took their positions. They smiled, waved, and faced the audience but for Jace, it all began to fade. The screams blurred. The lights dimmed. The stage twisted into something else. A memory. A sound. Bang. A gunshot in his mind. He shook his head quickly. 'No, no… not now…" He tried to refocus. The music started. Their choreography began. But his thoughts spiraled. Then the image hit him.. His mother. Falling. Blood. A scream. A stage. 'Mum…" he whispered, just as the rhythm picked up. The others began moving to the beat, their voices joining the backing track. Jace barely moved. Suddenly, he screamed. 'Haaa!" He clutched his head, his knees hitting the stage. 'Jace!" Jason gasped, breaking formation. The music stuttered to a halt. Confusion spread across the stage. 'Are you okay?!" 'Jace.... what's wrong?!" Jace was breathing heavily, his chest heaving. His eyes darted around, panic taking hold. 'Mum… Mum… Mum…" he muttered, over and over, his voice cracking. Then, everything went black. He collapsed. 'Jace!" 'Jace! Somebody help!" Ronald shouted as they all rushed to his side. Panic took over the crowd and backstage crew. Screams echoed. The stage faded into chaos. 'Mum!" Dorah cried, jumping to her feet. Agnes came running into the living room, alarmed by the sound. 'What happened?" she asked, eyes widening when she saw the television. On-screen, Jace lay unconscious on the stage as his friends surrounded him. 'He fainted…" Dorah said breathlessly, pointing at the screen. Her hand trembled as she reached for her phone. Without hesitation, she dialed Ronald's number. Later, Dorah ran through the hospital corridors like a storm. Her chest burned from sprinting, but she didn't stop. Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision. Agnes struggled to keep up behind her. When she got to the emergency wing, she spotted them, Joseph and the rest of the boys, all pacing nervously. Ronald leaned against the wall, arms crossed, looking like he hadn't blinked in minutes. 'Where is he?" Dorah cried, running toward them. Joseph turned in surprise. 'Dorah? What are you doing here?" 'Where is he?" she repeated, her voice cracking. 'The doctor's with him," Joseph replied gently. Without warning, Dorah collapsed to her knees. 'It's my fault… It's all my fault…" she sobbed uncontrollably, shaking her head. Ronald was the first to react. He knelt beside her and pulled her into his arms. 'Hey, hey, it's not your fault, Dorah," he whispered, rocking her gently. Joseph turned sharply to Agnes. 'Why did you let her come here?" Agnes, panting, placed her hand on her chest. 'I didn't have a choice. She wouldn't stay home. I had to bring her." Before Joseph could respond, the emergency door opened, and the doctor stepped out. His expression was tight, drained. They all rushed forward. 'How is he?" Joseph asked, nearly breathless. 'I need to speak with his family," the doctor said, scanning their faces. 'Are his parents here?" 'We are all his family!" Dorah shouted, tears still running. 'So just say it, say whatever you have to say right here!" 'Dorah, calm down," Ronald said softly, holding her tighter. 'Just breathe." 'I can't help it…" she cried. 'I just want to see him fine…" 'You can say anything here. How's my son?" Joseph asked again, firmer this time. The doctor exhaled slowly. 'I'm so sorry, sir, but he's...."