Tom, a 16-year-old aspiring artist, was living in Southern California during the mid-1980s—a time of vibrant music and cultural revolution. As a single child, Tom lived with his family; his parents had moved to the US from Lebanon when he was 6.
Tom spent his days immersed in the world of sound. His tiny apartment was filled with second-hand instruments: keyboard synthesizers, drum machines, and a sequencer. Self-taught and driven by an insatiable passion for music, he spent countless hours experimenting and learning to program his equipment.
His neighbor Amber, three years his senior with amber-red hair, lived with her mother and grandparents, who were originally from Ireland. Amber was one of his closest friends. They grew up together, sharing dreams and ambitions. Amber, with her bright personality and endless support, became Tom's muse. For his 16th birthday, she gave him a parlor acoustic guitar and a handwritten card: "Happy Birthday!! Please make an album for me ;) Love, Amber."
Inspired by Amber's heartfelt gift, Tom dedicated himself to learning the guitar. Over the next year, he poured his soul into writing and recording an album just for her. He titled it “Strumming”—a collection of parlor acoustic guitar music inspired by the '80s dance hits. Each note was a testament to their friendship and the emotions they shared.
Tom's favorite track from the "Strumming" album was "Around We Go," inspired by a first kiss shared between friends. Last year, Amber playfully kissed Tom on the lips. She then smiled mischievously and said, "Don't make a big deal about it," before walking away with a playful grin as "Round & Round" by New Order played on the radio.
For Tom, that kiss was like a nuclear explosion in his mind; he felt the energy travel all the way down to his toes. It was a moment that stayed with him, a blend of surprise, joy, and a burgeoning sense of something deeper between them. This powerful memory became the heartbeat of "Around We Go," a song that captured the innocence and intensity of young love.
At Amber’s 20th birthday party, Tom gave Amber a cassette labeled "Strumming" and a handwritten card: "Happy Birthday!! Strumming for Amber. Love, Tom."
Amber fell in love with the album and, when she played it for her friends, they were equally impressed, praising its unique sound, upbeat rhythm, and sweet melodies. They suggested she should send it to record labels. Encouraged by their reactions, Amber asked Tom if it was okay to share the album. Not knowing she meant sending it to labels, Tom said, "It's yours; you can do whatever you like." Amber sent the album to five record labels, and soon, she received a reply from one, inviting Tom to meet and possibly sign a contract.
Filled with excitement, she handed the letter to Tom, who reluctantly agreed to go—only if Amber accompanied him. They met with the producer, and after a few months of negotiations, the “Strumming” album was officially released.
At 18, Tom embarked on a nationwide tour to promote and perform the album, with Amber by his side. The music resonated with fans, and “Strumming” became a hit, reaching music lovers around the world. During the tour, Tom and Amber's bond grew deeper, and they eventually fell in love.
However, Amber began experiencing severe headaches. Initially dismissing them as fatigue, she took over-the-counter pain relievers, but the pain only worsened. Concerned for her well-being, Tom insisted she see a doctor. After extensive tests, including CT scans and MRIs, the diagnosis was grim: Amber had glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive and treatment-resistant brain cancer.
Devastated by the news, Tom ended the tour and took Amber back home. Despite undergoing various treatments and having Tom's unwavering support, Amber's condition deteriorated. She fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to the illness. Her death shattered Tom, who, stricken with grief, quit music and vowed never to play again.
Years passed, and Tom retreated into a life of solitude, far from the limelight. One day, a mysterious package arrived at his doorstep with no return address. Inside, he found an old mixtape labeled "For Tom" in Amber's familiar handwriting. Overcome with emotion, he dusted off his cassette player and listened to the tape.
It was filled with the music they had enjoyed together, tracks that had inspired the album and their shared dreams. As the final song faded, Amber's voice broke the silence. She spoke to him from the past, telling him that she knew she wouldn't be around forever. She had recorded the message to remind him of who he was and what music meant to him. Her final words were a heartfelt plea: "Promise me you won't let the music die."
Moved by Amber's message, Tom found the strength to return to his music. He channeled his grief into writing new songs, inspired by their memories and her enduring belief in his talent. With a renewed sense of purpose, he embarked on a comeback tour, sharing his story through his music.
As he performed, the audience could feel the depth of his pain and the beauty of his resilience. The world saw a changed man, one who had transformed his sorrow into art that touched countless hearts. Through his music, Tom honored Amber's memory, fulfilling his promise to keep the music alive.
~~ The End ~~
