*Brent POV*

"What happened to my angel?"

The thought kept running through my mind like broken record. It felt like just yesterday he was my little boy, sweet and kind, and curious about music...

*TEN YEARS EARLIER*

"Come on daddy!" Parker squealed, pulling me by my hand.
"Alright Parker, there's no need to hurry" I laughed. I held his little hand as we walked into the studio together. Parker always came to work with me when I wasn't away for tour, but today was special. Today he was allowed to try some instruments and find one he liked.

Parker let go of my hand as soon as we got inside. I smiled as he ran over to the others.
"Hi Eric!" His voice getting loud with excitement.
"Hey bud. Are you excited for today?" Eric asked as he pulled Parker into his lap.
"Yeah! Daddy said I can make music"
"That's right buddy"
I watched the two talk, a big smile on my face. It was so nice having friend I could trust with my kid.

Parker told us he wanted to start with drums. Barry set up a practice pad and gave him the sticks. I sat next to him as Barry took a seat behind his set.
"Alright kid, you ready to follow my lead?" He asked. Parker nodded as he held both sticks up. Barry started with a simple beat. He paused, letting Parker copy. Parker caught on to each beat quickly.

We all thought Parker did great with the drums, but Parker wasn't satisfied. He wanted to learn more.
"Can I try piano?" He asked politely. Eric agreed and the two walked over to the piano in the recording room. Eric pulled Parker into his lap on the bench and placed his hand on the keys. I watched as Eric explained all the notes, letting Parker try out different sets of notes. They were having fun. I've never seen Parker more happy in his life, he was really loving this.

Eric wrapped up with the lessons and let Parker go.
"Can I learn guitar next?" He asked me.
"Another day bud, daddy and Zach have some work to do"
"Aw, okay" he said with a slight pout. Barry agreed to keep an eye on him while Eric, Zach, and I talked about our newest song.

"You know, he's a lot like you" Zach said as Eric and I discussed lyrics.
"I hope he's not too much like me. I want him to be better" I admitted. Eric smiled as he put a hand on my shoulder.
"You're a great dad Brent. And you have a great kid"
"Thanks. Couldn't do it without you guys"

We wrapped up for the day so I went to find Parker. Barry has given him a piece of paper and pencil, so he kept himself busy laying on the floor drawing while Barry practiced.
"Ready to go bud?" I asked.  Parker spring to his feet and ran over to me.
"Daddy! I drew this for you" He handed me the paper so I gave it a look. It was a drawing of four man standing together.
"That's great Park. Who is it?" I asked.
"It's Shinedown" Parker giggled. I kneeled down to his level and pulled him in for a hug.
"I love it"

Parker and I said our goodbyes before heading out. Parker made sure to thank Barry and Eric for the lessons today. Definitely a proud dad moment. Parker grabbed my hand as we walked out to the car. I helped him into the back seat before getting in myself.

I decided to surprise Parker since he did so well today.
"Daddy, home is that way" Parker pointed out the window towards our street.
"I know Park, but I have a surprise for you" Parker's face lit up as I finished my sentence. He kept his eyes on everything we passed, hoping to figure out the surprise.

I pulled up to our favorite ice cream stand. Parker squealed in delight while I opened the door for him.
"After you, sir" I said as Parker hopped out.
"Thank you daddy!" Parker hugged my leg before rushing towards the building.
"Wait up buddy" I chuckled and caught up with him, grabbing his hand to keep him close.

I ordered an ice cream sundae big enough for Parker and I to share. He ran ahead to pick out a picnic table while I followed with the ice cream and spoons. It was beautiful out, and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my afternoon. I took a seat next to Parker and handed him a spoon. He took no time digging in. I smiled and joined him, digging my spoon in. I really appreciated the time we spent together, knowing I had to leave soon for tour. He really was my little angel.

*PRESENT DAY*

I laid in bed, staring at the ceiling while I thought of all the good days. I still loved my son, but I've never seen him mess up so badly in his life. My anger turned to worry as I wondered if this was only the beginning of something. Something new, something scary. I sat up and looked over at my dresser. There sat a picture of Parker and I when he was five. Next to the picture was the drawing he gave me when he was seven.
'Don't forget the good times' I thought to myself. He was going to be in a lot of pain when he woke up tomorrow, and I had to be there for him. No matter how bad things got, he'll always be my little boy