Dexter stood nervously close to the stage, awaiting Callie’s return. A whirlwind of drunk emotions swirled through his head as he watched her walk towards the members of Rise In Girl. To his disbelief, Callie walked right up to Trevor Green and started talking to him. Both acted completely calm and normal, not like a typical artist-fan interaction at all. Man, could this girl get any cooler? Dexter thought. He struggled to process what was happening. Trevor appeared to get slightly frustrated.

After a quick conversation, Callie and Trevor began to walk back towards Dexter. Before he knew it, they were standing right in front of him. Trevor looked a little older up close and didn’t look particularly happy, but it was the most surreal moment of Dexter’s life. 

“Dexter, this is my dad, Trevor,” Callie said with a mischievous smile. Dexter’s jaw dropped, and he was lost for words. No wonder Callie was so cool. He wondered if his hair and clothes looked okay.

“Nice to meet you, man,” Trevor said flatly.

“Mr. Green, it is so nice to meet you,” Dexter blurted nervously. It felt like the world was moving in slow motion. “I’ve listened to every one of your albums, and I just love what you’ve done for the emo community. Like the entire Ticking Time Capsule of Love album, I used to karaoke it in my car every day.”

“That’s … great, dude. Appreciate it,” Trevor replied with a slight scoff. Callie stared at Dexter blankly.

“Like, I love what your voice does on the one song, ‘22 East.’ Where it goes like, ‘Burning chara-aaa-aaaades in the city of chaos/when the fire roaaasts you on company flames.’ That was a banger, man. Soul voice af!” Dexter knew he was rambling, but didn’t know where to stop. “You’re like, so good and so emo, man. Really gets me in my feels.”

Trevor looked at Dexter blankly. “I don’t really think of myself as emo. I think you should do some research as to what that term actually means.” Dexter’s head was spinning. “I appreciate that you’re a fan, but just try to be a little cooler about it, man.” 

“I’m s-sorry,” Dexter stammered. “I’ll try to be better.”

“If you say so, bro,” Trevor said. “I’m sorry, I’ve got to go. My bus leaves early tomorrow.” He and Callie started to walk away.

“Ok, it was great to meet you!” Dexter said way too enthusiastically.

“Good to meet you too, man,” Trevor replied with no enthusiasm. Callie turned to smile and wave as she left with her father. Dexter managed a meek wave back and stared helplessly, watching the two of them walk out of his life, possibly forever.