Eighteen.

He walked towards the mic, his guitar not quit dragging along side. Most of the kids in the packed to the rafters gym didn’t pay any attention to him. He wasn’t well known. He wasn’t popular. If anyone recognized him at all- it was only because of his girlfriend for the last four years... Emily.
She was one of the cutest girls in the Class. Each year she got prettier, more popular. So much of the school gossip was why she stuck with such a bland loser.

She grew into her beauty and popularity, and then …grew out of love with him. He never said much. Just smiled at her with a tear in his eye.
“Thanks for your time. Hope life treats you well.” She was glad that there wasn’t any attempt to reconcile, or beg. He just quietly left her house, closing the door gently on his way out. Her Mother asked why he looked so sad.

“I just broke up with him.”

Her Mom smiled a soft smile.

“That happens.”

No more was said.

He didn’t need a stool. He ignored the chatter, hoots and hollers created by 800 students crammed into a gym that could barely hold that many. The introduction was brief.

“Our next Act…Billy. A Senior playing Acoustic Guitar and singing an original song.”

Not a single clap. Nobody really cared. He was the last Act, and they could all get out of there. The two best Acts went first. And it had been all downhill from there. And Teens are universally known for their fickle quick turns …and are not known for their kindness. Show weakness, or leave an opening to be taunted…and they could turn like a pack of hyenas.

He didn’t care. He just wanted to sing his song. So he began in a soft deep male voice. A voice like buttered chocolate that was so smooth the lyrics ran like syrup.

“I held her hand in the playground, sand from the sand box falling from the touch…”

The chords and notes from the guitar played out the emotions of ten years of knowing each other…and four of love. The chatter faded out as heads turned to listen. By the end of the first verse…shushing sounds were heard about the room. By the second chorus…there was no need to shush.

For the whole room was listening now. Teachers, Chaperones, and the few Parents in the room , or back stage, had clustered together to share witness. A wetness on their faces …ignored.

And still he sang:

“…When you walk with me, through fields and flowers…the smiles blossom around our faces... leaving dandelion glows on our chins..”

Emily held Becky’s hand tightly. Becky had been instrumental in their breakup…introducing Emily to her growing popularity…and Deshawn the All State Quarterback. He and Emily a lock for Homecoming Queen and King. She squeezed harder …for the song was about her…them…and a mistake she made. Becky just let her tears fall. She had a part in breaking something precious.

“ I never asked for anything, you gave me memories…and thoughts of moonlights, sunsets, and the gentle lick of tomorrow …”

Everyone who had loved…and lost, was lost in their own thoughts now. Everyone who was still in love, leaned in closer…the song a warning. And those who hadn’t dated yet, wondered if it was worth it…if this is what could happen.

“I walk in fields of flowers now…my hand as empty as the blooms…”

Some people gasped out the pain of loss …of losing…of having moved on. Others simply let their eyes flood.

The song ended. The music stopped. He straightened up. 800 kids with wide shiny eyes, and one girl with her soul bared before her made eye contact. He nodded.

He walked off stage with nary a sound but a few sniffles. As he walked down the stairs and along the aisle that led to the doors to the Gym. Guitar not quite dragging, boys, girls, even some of the few men and women present, reached out to gently touch his shoulder as he passed by. He never noticed.

Without a single clap, or cheer…he had won the Talent show.

But he had lost a heart.

And found a release.