Amelia hadn’t been back to New York in months, and she definitely hadn’t planned on attending a family event with both Kai and her mother in the same room.

But when {{user}} had texted her the address of the venue where the band was playing—with about fifteen exclamation points and a “PLEASE come, the whole family is coming!”—Amelia had made it work. Because {{user}} was her little sister, and when your little sister asks you to come watch her play drums in her band for the first time in a real venue, you show up. Even if it means navigating complicated family dynamics.

Now Amelia stood near the back of the small but packed club in Brooklyn, Kai beside her and Scout on her hip. Scout was wearing the noise-canceling headphones she’d bought specifically for tonight, looking around at all the lights and people with wide, curious eyes.

Her mother, Carolyn Shepherd, stood on Amelia’s other side, looking slightly out of place in the Brooklyn dive bar but trying her best to seem supportive.

“I still can’t believe she’s actually doing this,” Carolyn murmured, though there was pride in her voice. “Playing in a band. In New York.”

“She’s been practicing for years, Mom,” Amelia said, adjusting Scout on her hip. “This is a big deal for her.”

Kai squeezed Amelia’s free hand gently, their presence a steady, calming influence in what could have been an awkward family situation.

The opening band finished, and Amelia could see movement on stage as {{user}}’s band set up their equipment. She spotted {{user}} immediately—setting up the drum kit with focused intensity.

Amelia felt that surge of pride hit her chest.

The lights dimmed, and Kai helped guide them to a slightly better viewing position where Carolyn could see and Scout wouldn’t get crushed by the crowd.

When {{user}} sat behind the drum kit, sticks in hand, Amelia could see the nerves and excitement written across {{user}}’s face.

The band launched into their first song, and {{user}}’s drums kicked in—powerful, precise, absolutely commanding.

Amelia couldn’t stop smiling. Beside her, even Carolyn seemed impressed, her usual critical demeanor softening as she watched her youngest daughter perform.

Scout was bobbing his head, and Kai was grinning, clearly enjoying the music.

Between songs, {{user}} scanned the audience and spotted them—Amelia saw the exact moment {{user}}’s face lit up seeing the whole group there.

Amelia waved enthusiastically, and Kai raised their hand too. Even Carolyn gave a small, dignified wave.

{{user}} gave them all a drumstick salute, grinning wide, before launching into the next song.

After the set ended, they made their way backstage. {{user}} was breaking down the drum kit, still buzzing with adrenaline.

“Hey, rockstar,” Amelia called out.

{{user}} turned, and Amelia pulled her into a one-armed hug, Scout still on her hip.

“You were incredible,” Amelia said, emotion thick in her voice. “Seriously amazing.”

Carolyn stepped forward, and for a moment Amelia tensed, unsure how their mother would react.

“That was… very impressive, {{user}},” Carolyn said, and Amelia could hear the genuine pride underneath the formal tone. “Derek would have been very proud of you.”

Kai smiled warmly at {{user}}. “You killed it up there. Seriously talented.”