Casa musica
Chapter two: Hometown Showtime.
The past two months had flown by. March was coming to an end, and the cold was finally starting to fade. Last week, the snowfall had ceased, giving way to the first signs of spring. On a beautiful evening, after a day when the early sun had graced the sky with a hint of warmth, it quietly slipped beyond the horizon. Michiel, Thomas, and Elise sat on the terrace at Michiel’s home, enjoying the crisp evening air on the night before their big presentation of the cruise playlist.
Herbert and Maria had invited them over to celebrate their success. Seizing the opportunity, Herbert fired up the barbecue for the first time that year. But that wasn’t the only reason for the gathering— in just one week, they would embark on their first cruise along the Amazon River. With so little time left before their departure, Herbert felt it was best spent together.
To make the evening even more special, he had also invited Thomas’s parents, Mark and Linda. While Michiel and Thomas entertained Elise with their guitars, the parents busied themselves preparing dinner, the scent of grilled food slowly filling the air.
“Can you believe it? Just one more week, and then our sons will be on the other side of the world,” Linda said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“I know,” Maria replied, “but sooner or later, we have to let them go.” She gave a reassuring smile. “Besides, I think they’ll be safe. They’re not alone—they have each other, and Elise and Samuel will be there too. Honestly, I doubt they’ll even have time to miss us. Just look at them.”
Michiel and Thomas were fooling around as they played a song. Thomas, unable to resist the urge to go a little wild, suddenly jumped up onto the table and launched into an impromptu guitar solo. Michiel, never one to be left behind, quickly followed, climbing up beside him. With Thomas still shredding his solo, Michiel threw his head back and belted out the lyrics at the top of his lungs. It was one of the heavier songs in their repertoire, and he was loving every second of it.
To an outsider, it might have looked like they were putting on a massive rock concert for a roaring crowd. Elise and Samuel were rolling on the floor, laughing so hard they could barely breathe. Maria and Linda chuckled at the spectacle, while Mark and Herbert—caught up in the infectious energy—grabbed broomsticks, pretending they were microphones, and joined in, yelling along with their sons as if they were part of the band.
After dinner, Herbert lit the fire pit outside, and as they all sat together, Michiel and Thomas played a few more songs. Their melodies were so moving that Maria, Linda, and Elise found themselves wiping away tears.
As the night wore on, Mark and Linda eventually stood up, announcing it was time to head home. Thomas and Samuel followed suit, gathering their things and saying their goodbyes. Before long, only Michiel, Elise, and Michiel’s parents remained by the fire.
Michiel had just placed his guitar back in its case and now sat quietly, sipping the last of his beer. Elise sat beside him, her arm wrapped around his as she rested her head on his shoulder. The fire crackled gently, casting a warm glow over them, the night peaceful and still.
“Can you believe that in just a few days, we’ll be on a plane to Brazil?” Elise asked softly.
“Yes—but only because you remind me every few hours,” Michiel replied with a playful grimace.
Elise sat up, narrowing her eyes. “Are you making fun of me?” she asked with a smirk before giving him a gentle punch on the arm. The force wasn’t much, but it was enough to knock his glasses off his head.
What started as playful teasing quickly escalated into a friendly tussle. Within moments, Elise had pinned him down, straddling him with his arms held above his head.
“Well, well, lost to a girl,” she teased, grinning triumphantly. Then, leaning in, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
Just as she started to pull away, Michiel seized the moment. In one swift move, he flipped them over, pinning her beneath him.
“Well then,” he said with a laugh, gazing down at her, “now you’re lying down so nicely.”
At that moment, Maria cleared her throat.
“Ahem. I don’t mean to spoil the fun, but if you two want some privacy, you only have to ask,” she said, raising an amused eyebrow.
Michiel looked up, slightly flustered. “Sorry, Mom,” he muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Maria chuckled. “Oh, don’t apologize. Young love is a beautiful thing. Just… maybe not right in front of us?”
Elise, blushing slightly, nudged Michiel. “Well, that’s our cue.”
Michiel grinned and stood up, offering her a hand. “Come on, let’s go to my room.”
She took his hand with a playful smirk. “I thought you’d never ask.”
Maria shook her head with a smile as the two disappeared up the stairs, their laughter echoing softly through the house.
As they entered his room, Michiel closed the door behind them. When he turned around, Elise was already standing in front of him, her eyes locked onto his. She took both his hands in hers, slowly pulling him closer.
Michiel gazed into her eyes and saw a spark of pure happiness flickering within them. His heart pounded as she leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, lingering kiss. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her in as the kiss deepened, time seeming to slow around them.
Eventually, they pulled away, breathless yet smiling. Without a word, Elise took his hand and led him onto the bed. They curled up together, wrapped in each other’s warmth, the world outside fading away. What started as a quiet embrace soon deepened into something more—a moment filled with longing, tenderness, and an unspoken connection that neither of them wanted to break.
Completely exhausted, Michiel collapsed onto his side of the bed, breathing heavily. His body was warm, his mind adrift in the afterglow of the moment.
Elise nestled closer, resting her head against his chest. With a soft, tender voice, she whispered, “That was lovely. I love you so much.”
Michiel smiled, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. He tightened his arms around her, holding her as if he never wanted to let go. They lay there in peaceful silence, wrapped in each other’s warmth, their fingers lazily tracing over each other’s skin.
Slowly, Elise’s breathing deepened, her body relaxing completely as she drifted into sleep in the comfort of his embrace. Michiel let out a contented sigh, listening to the steady rhythm of her heartbeat against him. Before long, his own eyes grew heavy, and he too surrendered to sleep, the night wrapping them in its quiet embrace.
The last week flew by in the blink of an eye. Michiel and Thomas had rehearsed every day, including two full sessions at the youth center, where they practiced with the sound system. Samuel and Elise had been there as well, helping with stage preparations.
Elise, in particular, had made a small but meaningful contribution—she arranged the stage setup, adding cozy, inviting touches to make their performance feel warm and intimate. It was hard to believe that in just forty-eight hours, they would be boarding a plane to Brazil.
To mark the occasion, they had planned a special concert in the foyer, performing the full cruise set for the first time. At the last moment, they decided to invite a friend of Elise to open the show. She was a talented guitarist and songwriter, someone Thomas had noticed weeks ago at the youth center. Both he and Michiel had been captivated by her performance, and without hesitation, Thomas had asked her to join them for the event.
Now, everything was set. One final performance before their biggest adventure yet.
“Are you ready?” Thomas asked as he set his guitar aside.
“I think so,” Michiel replied, exhaling slowly. Then he turned to Samuel. “What did you think? Sounded good?”
“Magnificent!” Samuel said, his excitement evident. “If you play like this in Brazil, Elise better watch out—she might just lose you to the fans! What a voice, man!”
Elise stepped forward with a playful smile, slipping her arms around Michiel. “Luckily, I trust my man completely,” she said, holding him tightly. Then, lowering her voice to a whisper, she added, “I’ll never let you go.”
Michiel smiled, his heart swelling at her words. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close before pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
“Anyone else feeling hungry?” Thomas asked, stretching his arms.
“Yup!” Samuel called out without hesitation.
“You bet!” Elise added.
“I’m practically starving,” Michiel grinned.
“Fries or kebab?” Thomas asked, looking around.
“Your call—I’m good with either,” Michiel replied.
“I could go for a kebab,” Elise said.
“Same here,” Samuel agreed.
Thomas and Michiel exchanged a glance before saying in unison, “Kebab it is!”
Not long after, they were seated at their favorite kebab place, their orders already placed.
“I still can’t believe that in just two days, we’ll be at sea,” Samuel said, shaking his head in disbelief.
“Tell me about it,” Thomas replied. “I’m so nervous I can barely sit still!”
Samuel smirked. “Better not fall off your chair and break something before we even leave, huh?” He gave Thomas a friendly pat on the shoulder.
Thomas, caught off guard, jolted upright, accidentally knocking his knee against the table. “Ow!”
Samuel burst out laughing. “Relax, man! I’m not out to kill you.”
Thomas sighed dramatically. “See? A barrel of nerves,” he said, rubbing his knee.
Michiel, Elise, and Samuel laughed uncontrollably, while Thomas, still flustered, eventually gave in and chuckled along with them—albeit a bit nervously.
After finishing their food, they headed back to the foyer. When they arrived, they noticed that quite a few people had already gathered.
Giel was standing at the entrance and greeted them with a smile as they walked in. Their parents were already there, gathered at the bar, with the fathers all holding beers in hand while the mothers had been busy hanging up the event banner.
Elise’s friend Jana, who was set to open for Michiel and Thomas, had just arrived as well. She was hauling her gear toward the stage, struggling with an amplifier. Seeing her, Thomas quickly went over to help.
“Wait, let me help you with that,” Thomas said, grabbing one of the handles of the amplifier.
“Thank you, it’s pretty heavy,” Jana replied, relieved.
“I know,” Thomas chuckled. “I saw you struggling with that thing and caught your painful grin.”
Jana laughed. “Well, it’s heavy, what can I say?”
“Anyway, thanks for opening for us tonight!” Thomas said, his tone sincere.
“No problem at all,” Jana said, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity. I’ve only been on stage once before, so I’m hoping I can control my nerves.”
“It’ll be great,” Thomas assured her, flashing a confident smile. “I can tell you that for sure!”
“Thanks,” Jana replied with a shy but grateful smile.
“Do you see that too, or am I mistaken?” Michiel asked, glancing at Samuel.
“Looks like Thomas just got struck by Cupid,” Samuel replied with a grin.
“Yeah, I think our Thomas is falling in love,” Michiel said, shaking his head. “And just a few weeks ago, he was laughing at me!”
Samuel winked. “So now it’s our turn to laugh!”
“Oh, yeah, we definitely will,” Michiel grinned, clearly amused.
Thomas helped Jana with setting up, and she was ready in no time. After the soundcheck, she walked over to Michiel, Thomas, and Elise, joining them as they chatted.
“Hi, Jana! How are you feeling? Not too nervous, I hope?” Elise asked, smiling warmly.
“I’m cool for now,” Jana replied, though a hint of nerves lingered in her voice. “I just hope it stays that way.”
“No worries,” Thomas chimed in confidently. “We were the same way the first time, right Michiel?”
Michiel nodded, offering reassurance. “Absolutely. A barrel full of nerves at first, but the moment you start playing, they’re all gone.”
Jana smiled, though she still sounded a bit apprehensive. “Yeah, my first gig was the same. But that was different—it was just for my family, and there weren’t as many people.”
“It’ll be fine,” Thomas said with a wink. “I have total confidence in you and your music.”
Jana blushed, her nerves easing just a little. “Thanks, Thomas.”
Michiel watched the entire scene unfold, and when his gaze met Elise’s, he saw the knowing look in her eyes. They were both thinking the same thing.
“I think Thomas is in love,” Elise said, stepping closer to Michiel and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.
Michiel smiled knowingly. “I noticed it too. That’s the first time I’ve seen him like that.”
Elise kissed him again before heading over to Jana, leaving Michiel to watch Thomas, a slight grin playing on his lips.
“Are you ready?” Elise asked, her voice filled with encouragement.
“Yes!” Jana replied firmly, taking one last sip of her drink before making her way to the stage.
“Good luck!” Thomas called out with a wink as she passed him.
“Thank you! You too, later!” Jana said with a smile, then pulled him into a tight hug.
Michiel and Thomas followed the others toward the front of the stage, the hum of the crowd buzzing in the background. When they arrived, Michiel turned to Thomas, his voice low but teasing. “So… you and Jana?”
Thomas raised an eyebrow, a slight flush creeping onto his cheeks as he quickly looked away. “What about it?” he asked, his tone defensive but not convincingly so.
Michiel smirked, crossing his arms. “Come on, you think I haven’t noticed? You’ve been pulling out all the stops for her, making sure she’s all set up and taken care of. I’m your best friend, man. I can tell when you’re acting a little… smitten.”
Thomas sighed, his cheeks deepening in color. “I admit it. I like Jana, okay?” he said, running a hand through his hair as he glanced away, not meeting Michiel’s eyes. “But you know as well as I do that we’ve barely known each other for a couple of weeks, and now in two days, we’ll be on the other side of the world. There’s no time to really get to know someone like that.”
Michiel raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “True, but hey, never say never, right? Life’s full of surprises.”
Thomas shot Michiel a look, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite his attempt to remain serious. “Poltergeist,” he muttered under his breath, giving Michiel a playful push on the shoulder.
Michiel laughed, pushing back just as lightly. “Exactly what you did to me back then, remember?” He winked, his tone light but knowing.
Thomas chuckled, the tension easing a little between them as they both relived the memory. For a moment, everything else seemed distant—just the two of them, talking as they always had.
But then the conversation fell into a brief silence, both of them lost in their own thoughts, before the soft chords of Jana’s guitar began to fill the space around them. Her voice followed, smooth and confident, and both Michiel and Thomas turned their attention toward the stage, letting the music settle in.
Thomas stood there, his gaze fixed on Jana as she played, completely lost in her music. She has such an amazingly beautiful voice, he thought, almost in awe of the way her melodies filled the room. And her songs… they’re even more breathtaking than I expected. His mind drifted, swirling in thoughts of her, each note adding another layer to the picture he was building in his head.
He was so deeply lost in his imagination that he didn’t even notice Michiel speaking to him. The words washed over him, blending into the hum of the crowd and the music. It wasn’t until Michiel shook his shoulder lightly that Thomas snapped back to reality.
“Hey,” Michiel said with a grin, “Welcome back to planet Earth! What planet were you on?”
Thomas blinked a few times, his mind slowly reorienting itself. He gave Michiel a sheepish smile, now fully aware of how long he’d been zoning out. “Uh… Planet Jana?” he replied, the words slipping out before he had time to think.
Michiel raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “Planet Jana, huh? I think I see where your head’s been. No wonder you’re spaced out.”
“I… sorry!” Thomas snapped back to reality. “Did you say something?”
“Yes,” Michiel replied with a grin, “I said she has a beautiful voice.”
“Yes,” Thomas murmured absentmindedly, “She is very beautiful…”
Michiel gave him a strange look.
“The voice I meant!” Thomas added hastily, his cheeks flushing slightly.
Michiel raised an eyebrow, grinning wider. “Yeah, it certainly is her voice,” he said with a wink.
Suddenly, the room fell into a heavy silence as Jana began to play her last song. The delicate strumming of her guitar filled the space, each note laced with a deep sense of longing and grief. It was a song she had written in memory of her father, who had passed away several years ago at an age far too young. The lyrics, raw and heartfelt, told a story of love and loss, evoking a deep emotional response from everyone present.
As the song played on, Michiel and Thomas felt goosebumps rise on their skin. The beauty of the melody, coupled with the raw emotion behind it, left them speechless. The room seemed to hold its breath until the final, lingering note faded into the quiet. Then, as if released from some kind of spell, the audience erupted into thunderous applause.
Jana, caught off guard by the intensity of the response, stood frozen for a moment, a shy smile tugging at her lips. She wasn’t used to such admiration. Michiel turned to look at Elise, noticing the tears in her eyes, and felt a pang in his heart. She had always been so strong, yet the song had touched something deep inside her.
“So beautiful,” Elise whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she put her arms around Michiel’s waist. He ran his hands gently through her hair, savoring the closeness, and kissed her softly on her forehead, holding her tightly as the applause continued around them.
After a while, the applause slowly faded, and the familiar notes of Gust’s favorite song began to echo through the venue. Samuel had chosen this song as a tribute, a powerful gesture in honor of Jana’s father, Gust Van Vlierbergen. He had been a beloved figure in the Etely Mountain community, a man whose fighting spirit had earned him the deep respect of everyone who knew him.
As president of the Youth Council, Gust had been instrumental in securing the youth center, convincing the mayor to act swiftly and open the doors to a safe place for the local youth. His determination had transformed the community, and his legacy lived on in the lives of so many. He had become a father figure to many, a symbol of hope and perseverance.
But that hope was shattered on one fateful morning when Jana found her father dead in his bed. The news had sent shockwaves through Etely Mountain, and the loss of such a prominent and cherished man left a void in the hearts of those who had known him. The weight of this grief had never left Jana, and now, as she stood on stage, playing the song she had written in his memory, it was clear how much her father’s spirit still lived within her.
As his favorite song played, the crowd fell silent once again, many of them remembering the man they had lost too soon. It was a moment of collective reflection, a tribute to a life that had touched so many.
The arrangement of Michiel and Thomas took a little longer than Jana’s, Thomas noticed with a small frown. It had been half an hour since Jana had finished packing up her things, and they were still putting the final touches on their setup. They hadn’t even started their soundcheck yet. Fortunately, it didn’t take too long. They adjusted the microphones, tuned the guitars, and quickly tested the sound, making sure everything was good to go. When it was nearly ten o’clock, the setup was complete.
They stood in place, waiting. Samuel had joined them, his usual grin plastered across his face. Elise stood beside Michiel, offering him a reassuring smile.
“Ready?” Samuel asked, looking from one to the other, his tone teasing but with a hint of seriousness behind it.
“I do!” Michiel said, pulling Elise closer and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.
“Of course they’re ready,” Jana said as she approached, joining the small circle. “You two always are.” She smiled warmly at them, then turned to Samuel, offering a compliment for his work as a technician. “You made everything work seamlessly, thanks!”
Samuel waved it off with a modest shrug. “It wasn’t really a big deal.”
But Thomas disagreed, giving a playful wink. “Your set was fantastic. You made it look easy.”
Jana smiled, her cheeks tinged with color. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. And good luck to you two tonight.” Her voice had a genuine warmth, and the kind words made Thomas feel even more excited than before.
“That will be no problem at all!” Michiel and Thomas said in unison, grinning broadly.
“I do not doubt that,” Elise said, looking at Michiel with admiration. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “If you’re half as good as you were in rehearsal, you’re going to play the roof off!”
“Let’s hope not,” Samuel interjected, raising his hand to prevent any more excitement. “If it rains, we’ll all be as wet as a fish.” He gave a mock-shudder and then smirked. “And our equipment is not exactly water-resistant.”
The girls burst into laughter, the tension lifting from the room. Elise shook her head, laughing through her words. “You’re always full of silly jokes!”
Michiel and Thomas chuckled along with them, the camaraderie infectious.
“You should be a comedian, Samuel,” Michiel teased, shaking his head. “But I feel you. let’s not make the stage the next wet test zone, okay?”
“Agreed!” Samuel said, still chuckling as he shook his head.
“Well, let’s get started before we can’t even take a breath anymore,” Michiel said, looking around at the group with a playful but determined expression. “Ready, brother?” He glanced at Thomas, who stood beside him.
Thomas smiled confidently, the excitement bubbling in his chest. “I’m as ready as never before.”
Michiel gave him a firm nod. “Well then, let’s begin!” They shared a high-five, and the pair turned toward the stage, heading off with their instruments in hand, ready to give the crowd the performance of a lifetime.
Michiel settled onto the piano bench, his fingers hovering above the keys, ready to begin. He glanced over at Thomas, who was securing his guitar, tuning the strings one final time. The music of Samuel, the background noise of the evening, began to fade away, and Michiel felt the weight of the silence before him. He took a slow breath, closed his eyes for a moment, and then his fingers brushed the keys.
The sound was soft, almost tender, as though he was afraid of causing the piano any harm. The notes were gentle at first, lingering and spaced, creating a simple yet beautiful rhythm. He let the music flow, repeating the same note over and over, allowing it to settle into the atmosphere. After a few moments, he began to weave in the melody, each note falling into place like a carefully constructed thought. And then, as if on cue, he began to sing.
The song, the very first one they had written together, carried deep emotions—lyrics that seemed to speak directly to the heart. It was a song they had crafted in a time when their collaboration was still new, and it held the power to revive memories long buried.
In the crowd, Herbert and Maria exchanged a quiet glance. The sound washed over them, and the familiar lyrics brought a surge of nostalgia. Herbert, his voice a soft murmur, turned to Maria.
“Now that brings memories back to life!” he said with a small, affectionate smile. “Would you like to dance, malady?” He extended his arm toward her with a graceful gesture, his eyes full of warmth.
Maria’s smile mirrored his, and with a soft nod, she placed her hand in his. “I would be delighted,” she replied. Together, they moved toward the open space in the crowd, the music guiding their steps as they began to dance slowly, lost in the rhythm of the song.
Nearby, Mark and Linda followed their example, rising from their seats and joining the dance floor. Elise, just a few steps away, was gently swaying to the music. Her eyes were closed, her voice blending with the song as she softly sang along, lost in the moment.
Jana, standing beside her, couldn’t help but notice the peaceful, almost ethereal expression on Elise’s face. She smiled, her hand gently resting on Elise’s shoulder, offering her quiet support. “We’ll dance?” Jana asked, her voice soft but filled with anticipation.
Elise’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Jana’s gaze with a smile. “Certainly!” she replied, her voice filled with a sense of joy. Together, they made their way to the dance floor, their movements joining the fluid dance of the crowd as the song wrapped around them like a warm embrace.
As the last note of the previous song faded, Michiel took a brief moment to catch his breath before sitting back at the piano. This time, he added a lively swing to the melody, and the effect was immediate. The beat picked up, and the energy of the room shifted. The dance floor, which had slowed a moment ago, now surged back to life, filled with the sound of feet shuffling, bodies swaying, and laughter ringing in the air. Everyone was shaking and swinging to the rhythm, their movements a blur of joy and abandon.
The tempo quickened as Michiel effortlessly moved into faster and harder songs. The crowd, already caught up in the music, followed suit, their enthusiasm growing with every note. Meanwhile, Thomas had taken his place behind the drums, adding to the pulse of the music, his hands moving fluidly over the kit as he joined in with increasing intensity.
But then, with a playful grin, Thomas stood up, leaving the drums behind. He grabbed his banjo, the instrument’s twang adding a unique flavor to the already dynamic mix. Michiel, never one to miss a beat, grabbed his guitar and began to strum, setting a lively pace for the next song.
“ELISE!” Jana yelled out, her voice cutting through the lively buzz. The words were filled with excitement, and she continued to shout, “Listen!”
Without missing a step, she and Elise made their way forward to the stage, caught in the infectious rhythm. The crowd noticed their approach and began to cheer, sensing the fun that was about to unfold. Jana and Elise didn’t hold back. They jumped into the song, singing loudly alongside Michiel and Thomas, their voices blending with the music. Their energy was contagious—everyone around them could feel the pulse of their joy.
With every verse, they sang louder, their laughter mixing with the lyrics, and their feet barely touching the floor as they jumped and twirled along with the song. The crowd, now caught up in the spirit of the moment, followed their lead. It wasn’t just a performance anymore—it was a celebration, one that everyone in the room was part of.
The music was unstoppable, and for a brief moment, the world outside the room seemed to fade away. All that mattered was the laughter, the music, and the shared sense of freedom that came with being lost in the rhythm.
Michiel and Thomas exchanged a silent glance, each knowing what the other was thinking. The crowd, still buzzing with excitement from the last song, started to quiet down as they stepped forward, ready for one final number.
“We’ve got one more for you,” Michiel said into the microphone, his voice calm but filled with purpose. He turned to Thomas, who nodded.
“This one is for someone very special,” Thomas added, his eyes drifting toward Jana, who was standing near the front of the stage. She looked up at them, her eyes filled with both curiosity and something deeper—an understanding of what was coming.
They had decided to play “Forever,” a song they had written together, but it had started as Michiel’s creation, penned exactly one year ago. It was a tribute to a man who had given his life to rescue the woman he loved—a love story full of sacrifice, courage, and devotion. Over the year, they had rewritten the song together, reshaping it into something that felt even more fitting now, for the man they all wanted to honor tonight.
As the first notes began to play, the audience fell silent. Michiel’s fingers moved over the keys gently, with reverence. Thomas joined in, his guitar blending with the soft piano chords. The melody was hauntingly beautiful, and there was an undeniable weight to the words as they sang them, each note heavier than the last.
Jana stood still, her eyes glistening. The song spoke to her in ways she hadn’t expected. It reminded her of her father—his strength, his sacrifices, and the love he had always shown. But there was also something else in her eyes, a sense of deep gratitude. These two men, whom she had only recently come to know, had written a song for her father. A song that seemed to capture his spirit and his legacy. It was a gift she would never forget.
As they reached the final note of the song, it hung in the air for a moment longer than usual, as if the entire room was holding its breath. And then, without warning, the silence was shattered by a thunderous applause. The audience, moved by the raw emotion of the performance, clapped and cheered with all their might.
But even as the applause roared, it was clear that Jana’s emotions were mixed. Tears streamed down her face, not just because she missed her father, but because she knew her father’s memory had been honored in the most beautiful way. The tears were a mixture of grief and gratitude—grief for the loss, and gratitude for this moment, for these men who had taken the time to create something that would forever connect her father to them, to all of them.
And then, as if the night couldn’t become any more emotional, Samuel stepped forward. He had already been playing the entire time, his instrument quiet for a moment as Michiel and Thomas finished their song, but now he began again. This time, he added his own emotional tribute, a musical addition to the song that had just ended—a final honor for Gust.
The music swelled, and the crowd listened in rapt attention, touched by Samuel’s heartfelt addition. It was the perfect way to close the night—to send off Gust’s memory into the atmosphere, to carry his legacy forward in song.
Michiel and Thomas were already in the midst of packing up their equipment, still riding the wave of adrenaline from their last performance, when Herbert suddenly appeared on stage. He grabbed the microphone with a calm, authoritative presence, immediately drawing the attention of the room.
“Test, test,” Herbert said, tapping the mic a couple of times to make sure it was working.
The audience quieted down, curious about what was coming next.
“Good evening everyone,” Herbert began, his voice carrying through the room, warm and familiar. “The musical program for this evening has come to an end, but feel free to stay as long as you like. Samuel will continue playing for a while, and I’m sure he’ll keep the good vibes going.”
A soft murmur of approval spread through the crowd, but Herbert wasn’t finished yet.
“I’d just like to ask Jana to come up here for a moment,” he added with a smile.
Jana, who had been talking quietly with Elise at the side of the stage, looked up in surprise when her name was called. She made her way up to join Michiel and Thomas, standing between them as they all faced the audience.
Herbert turned to the crowd, his eyes softening with pride. “These three,” he said, motioning to Michiel, Thomas, and Jana, “have made sure that tonight was truly memorable. I am so extremely proud of my son, Michiel, and his best mate, Thomas. They’ve given us all a night to remember, and I’m sure their upcoming adventure will be just as remarkable. We all wish them the very best in everything that lies ahead, and I hope that, as they experience new things in new places, they’ll still think of us every once in a while. We’ll certainly be thinking of them.”
A few people in the crowd exchanged looks, a few claps starting as Herbert spoke, but he wasn’t done yet.
He turned his attention to Jana, who was standing with a humble smile, clearly touched by his words.
“But before we go,” Herbert continued, “I want to ask for an extra round of applause for our opener tonight—Jana. You’ve done an amazing job, and I truly believe you have a bright future ahead of you in the music industry. You absolutely deserve it.”
The crowd erupted in applause, and Jana’s smile widened, her eyes shining with a mix of gratitude and disbelief. She hadn’t expected such kind words from Herbert, and it meant more than she could express. She looked over at Michiel and Thomas, both of them smiling at her with pride.
Herbert gave a final nod to the audience, his voice carrying the warmth of a man who truly believed in the talents of those around him.
“Thank you all for coming tonight. Please stay, enjoy the music, and remember that tonight was just the beginning of many more great things to come for all of us.”
As the applause continued, Michiel, Thomas, and Jana exchanged looks of mutual respect and happiness. They had come together in a moment of magic that they’d all cherish forever.
There was a deafening round of applause as the music faded back in, and the atmosphere in the room buzzed with excitement. Samuel continued to play in the background, providing a fitting soundtrack to the celebration that followed.
Michiel and Thomas finished loading up their gear and made their way over to join the rest of their friends. Everyone was gathered around, offering congratulations and words of encouragement, praising the performance they’d just witnessed.
“You guys were amazing!” Elise said, giving Michiel a warm hug.
“Absolutely brilliant!” Samuel added with a grin, giving Thomas a high-five. “The crowd was really into it.”
Both Michiel and Thomas accepted the compliments with gratitude, smiling and thanking everyone. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and support, but there was one person who wasn’t standing with the rest of the group.
Michiel glanced around and realized that he hadn’t seen Giel since the end of the show. He furrowed his brow and began scanning the room, eventually spotting Giel in the far corner of the bar. Giel was sitting at a table, scribbling down something in a notebook, completely absorbed in his task.
Michiel tapped Thomas on the shoulder and nodded toward the bar.
“Any idea what he’s writing about?” Michiel asked.
Thomas followed his gaze and shrugged. “No idea. Wanna find out?”
Michiel’s curiosity was piqued, and he gave a subtle nod. “Let’s go check it out.”
With that, they both made their way across the room, heading toward Giel, who remained oblivious to their approach as he focused intently on the notes he was writing.
When they joined him, Giel was still completely absorbed in his writing, so much so that he hadn’t even noticed Michiel and Thomas standing beside him. Only when Michiel said his name did he finally look up, blinking as he registered their presence.
“Oh! Hi, fellas. I didn’t even see you two coming. My apologies,” he said, quickly gathering his thoughts.
“No worries,” Thomas replied casually.
“What are you writing down there?” Michiel asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
Giel hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Promise me you guys won’t freak out.”
Michiel and Thomas exchanged a curious glance before giving him an expectant look. Seeing their interest, Giel continued.
“I’ve been doing some blogging work lately, and recently, I got asked to write show reviews for a label called Creative Productions.”
The moment Michiel and Thomas heard the name, they spoke in unison.
“That’s the same label we’re playing for with Casa Musica!”
“I know,” Giel confirmed with a grin. “That’s actually why I’m writing a review of your show tonight. They specifically asked me to do it, but honestly, I was planning to write one anyway.”
Michiel and Thomas stared at him, momentarily speechless. It was Thomas who found his voice first.
“That’s amazing news. Congratulations! And, of course, thank you so much for doing that.”
“It’s my pleasure, really,” Giel replied warmly. “Anyway, I also wanted to wish you guys good luck with the cruise line gigs.”
“Are you coming with us?” Michiel asked eagerly.
“Not entirely,” Giel admitted. “But if you guys have any big shows, I might be there too. I’ll keep you both updated.”
Michiel and Thomas exchanged a look before shaking Giel’s hand firmly.
“Thank you so much, mate. That means a lot to us,” Thomas said sincerely.
“And if you’re ever near one of our gigs, let us know so we can stay in touch,” Michiel added.
“Absolutely. I’m looking forward to it,” Giel said with a smile.
The three of them—Michiel, Thomas, and Giel—were soon joined by Elise and Samuel, who had noticed the gathering. They were equally surprised by the news and excited for Giel’s unexpected decision.
“Giel, that’s incredible!” Elise exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. “You’re going for it!”
Samuel nodded enthusiastically, clapping Giel on the back. “This is great news, man. I can’t wait for you to join us sometime during our adventure!”
Giel smiled, a little shy but clearly grateful for the support. “Thanks, everyone. I’m really excited, but also kind of nervous. It’s a big step.”
“We all know you can do it,” Thomas said with a grin. “You’ve got the talent. Just keep pushing forward.”
Elise nodded in agreement. “We’ll be cheering you on, for sure. Good luck, Giel! I hope we’ll see you on one of the upcoming performances.”
“Absolutely!” Samuel added. “We’ll be there, no doubt. I’m excited for you!”
The group stood there for a moment, sharing in Giel’s excitement and offering words of encouragement before the conversation shifted to other topics. But the air was filled with an undeniable sense of pride and optimism for their friend.
It was late in the evening when the last guests began to leave. Jana said her goodbyes and headed home, leaving only Michiel, Thomas, Elise, Samuel, and the parents of Michiel and Thomas still lingering. The house, once alive with music and laughter, started to settle into a quieter rhythm.
Not much later, Herbert and Maria, followed by Mark and Linda, bid their farewells and left. The finality of the night was beginning to settle in. The once crowded room now felt emptier, but the sense of camaraderie among the remaining four—Michiel, Thomas, Elise, and Samuel—was palpable.
They exchanged a few last words, their voices soft as the last traces of the evening’s energy slowly faded away. Soon, it was just the four of them, the ones who were set to head to the sea. They shared a quiet, knowing glance, each of them thinking about what lay ahead—an adventure on the horizon, an unknown chapter ready to be written. The journey was about to begin.