RJ's Arc

Chapter 3 of 7

RJ followed Christopher off the platform and out toward the open field. The band was already gathering. The tall hall stood waiting at the edge of the grass, its smooth white walls aimed at the sky. RJ had not built this. He had only walked into it. Christopher waved him over to the soundboard. The buttons glowed in every color. "You run it," Christopher said. "You know the song better than anyone." RJ rested his hands on the panel. He could feel the weight of the moment settle into his fingers. The band took their places. The drummer counted in. Christopher gripped the mic stand and leaned close. RJ slid the faders up, slow and careful. The first note came out clean. Then Christopher sang. His voice climbed and pushed and did not stop. RJ adjusted the levels and the sound poured up through the hall and broke into the open air. Bright musical shapes seemed to spin in the light above them. The voice kept rising, past the towers, past the clouds, aimed at something far beyond. A huge shimmering bubble lifted off the top of the hall. It carried the sound with it, drifting upward until it was a small bright dot. RJ watched it go. The bridge played. The melody resolved. It still ended too soon. But the sound was gone now. It was out there, moving toward the universe, and he could not call it back. RJ lowered his hands from the board. The song was no longer his to fix.