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Chapter 2

Money. Who said that money wasn't important? Precious money gone. The banks took our money. It told us we didn't own much anymore. I don't know what happened. It all happened in a flash. My parents were devastated. My dad lost his job. My mom was kicked out of her work. Money became a problem. Family. I must help my family. I must support them. I need to help them. Yes.

It came all of a sudden, money was suddenly gone. I couldn't believe it. No one in my family could. Jobs were all lost. We were desperate. The darkness of the world was creeping into my household. My own inner darkness was at bay. I was lost. We were lost. I hated it. I hated seeing my family lost. A coldness surrounded my family. I knew I had to do something. Something to help.

It was all by chance, to see that sign at the coffee shop. They were looking for people who could produce music. I had to try my luck. I had to try something. At least it could help provide for the family. Anything for my family. Anything.

I applied to the boss. He was a good friend since I was a regular at the coffee shop. His hot chocolate was the best. He was also kind and understanding. He was more than willing to let me try. He was slightly worried though that I wouldn't be able to concentrate on studies but I told him that it was ok. That I could handle it.

Everyday I went, straight from school to the cafe. I was scared at first. The nervousness of playing in front of a crowd scared me. To disappoint and be kicked out for bad music was a fear that coursed through my body. However, the fear vanished as soon as I touched my guitar. By the first strum, my mind was blank. The crowd was thin air. Music filled my ears. Peace in my heart. Song after song after song. I didn't notice the time go by. I didn't notice the growing crowd. Nor did I notice the claps of appreciation or the encores throughout. Soon darkness started to fall. The list of songs I had were finished. My hands stopped. My eyes opened. The crowd had tripled since I started. All clapping on their feet. Joy soared through my heart.

A darkness started to creep in and I quickly scrambled for my earphones. Aisling, Aisling, join us once more. It was just by a second that I escaped the plague. The boss was joyful by the time I made my way to him. Stacks of money, more than I expected to receive, was held in his hand. He pushed it all to me, insisting that was my payment and I was welcomed to play again when I liked. I knew I would be back soon. Back to meet the peace again and back to earn precious, precious money.