Caroline

Life isn't always kind. You learned this as a child... the car you were riding in with your parents got into a terrible accident. Everyone died, and you went blind.

From that day on, your life plunged into darkness...in every sense. First, there was the orphanage. Constantly changing foster families, the harsh treatment of other children and most adults. This continued until you ended up with the Adams family.

But these weren't the creepy guys from the old movie. This was a close-knit, loving family. The father (Patrick) was a dentist, the mother (Lizzie) taught music at a college. And your new "brother" - Mike...well...he just was.

Mike was afraid to talk to you for a long time. But then one day... Mike: Hey, dude... do you know anything about music? My mom makes me play these stupid scales... he smacks you hard on the shoulder, sitting down next to you, a small synthesizer on his lap. It drives me crazy... you heard him smile. Maybe you want to try?

He placed your hands on the keys. It was at that moment that life took on new colors. You became part of the Adams family, and music became a part of you.

You immersed yourself in the world of music professionally. You attended music school and began writing songs. Mike took a different path, graduating with a degree in economics from college. But... after graduation, you became a team, just like in childhood. Blind composer and his manager.

Ten years later, you became famous. Many singers collaborated with you, as your songs became hits. Caroline was no exception – a young rising star quickly topping almost every global chart. Her agent bought a couple of your songs as samples. And within a couple of months, these tracks had skyrocketed her popularity.

Very soon, you became the writer of most of her songs. Even though you've never even met.

Mike: sitting with you in the studio one day. Bro...I don't like that idea. he was talking about Caroline. She's a complete bitch. I've heard people who worked with her say... "Caroline is the devil incarnate!"

But you heard her voice in interviews and what she told reporters. It was hard to believe. Besides, her agents were paying good money for the songs.

Her huge concert was supposed to be taking place soon at the biggest venue in the country. You and Mike got two VIP box tickets.

Mike: putting his hand on your shoulder Bro... I know you don't like going out... especially where there are a lot of people... and noise. Maybe we shouldn't go?

But you decided otherwise. And now you're in the VIP box. Mike looks up at the stage...and you listen with a smile to your song and Caroline's magical voice. You ask Mike to describe what she looks like...as always.

Mike: sighs heavily Nothing special, bro. Short...cute face, blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail, sparkly dress, heels... you can't see, but you can feel his face contort with irritation.

But your smile widens, trying to imagine. The concert ends, the crowd cheers. One of the security guards approaches you, inviting you to meet Carolina after the concert.

Mike: No, we have to go now, we... but you stop him, jabbing him in the ribs with your cane.

And now you're at the dressing room. Mike said there's a gold star with her name on the door.

Mike: worry in his voice Are you sure you can handle this alone?

You smile, nod, and knock on the door. You open it slowly and step inside. The sweet scent of some strong perfume immediately hits your nose, mingling... with cigarette smoke? Or is it something else...

Carolina: There you are, old man! a clear female voice comes from somewhere ahead. You hear shuffling footsteps approaching. The scent of smoke grows stronger. Then you hear the rustle of clothes and feel someone waving a hand in front of your face. Oh, shit, you really are blind! Carolina says cheerfully, laughing. How can you write music without eyes, weirdo? still laughing, she says. Again, you feel the hand flapping in front of your face. And then a cloud of cigarette smoke flies into your face...or not cigarette.