47. Attend to concert

Emma had been blissfully unaware of the storm brewing outside her world. As far as she was concerned, the biggest decision at hand was how to celebrate her release from the hospital. Sitting at a cozy café with her best friend Shirley, they tossed around ideas, from a quiet dinner to a weekend getaway. But Shirley, always the energetic planner, finally suggested, "Why don't we go to a concert? Something fun, lively—you need a real break!"

Emma hesitated for a moment, considering her recent recovery, but Shirley was quick to reassure her. "Don't worry, Em! I'll handle everything. All you need to do is rest up and be ready to have a great time."

Days flew by, and before Emma knew it, the day of the concert arrived. As they approached the concert venue, the bustling crowds and towering posters caught her attention. Her smile faded as she stared at the giant banners showcasing the evening's star performer—Matthew Hamilton, her sixth brother.

Matthew, now an international singing sensation, had achieved incredible heights. With countless awards and a voice that captivated millions, he was living the dream that once seemed out of reach for any of them. The realization hit Emma hard: just two years apart in age, yet their worlds couldn't be more different. Matthew was a household name, celebrated and adored, while she remained invisible, an ordinary girl with no real accomplishments to her name. The pang of inadequacy gnawed at her, a mixture of pride for her brother and a deep-seated sense of self-doubt.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Emma's heart sank. She looked at Matthew's larger-than-life image and couldn't help but feel small. All she could think about were the missed opportunities and what she perceived as her failures. Shirley noticed the shift in Emma's demeanor and squeezed her hand gently.

"Hey, Em, are you okay? You look… upset. Do you want to go back? We don't have to stay if you're not feeling it," Shirley offered, her voice filled with concern.

Emma forced a smile, pushing the sadness away. She didn't want to ruin the night or let her insecurities dampen Shirley's enthusiasm. "I'm fine, really. Just a bit overwhelmed, I guess. But I'm excited! Let's go in—can't keep the concert waiting!"

Shirley hesitated, searching Emma's eyes for the truth, but decided against pressing further. She nodded, beaming with excitement, and together they made their way inside.

As they found their seats, Emma glanced around, absorbing the energy of the crowd. People of all ages filled the arena, their faces lit up with anticipation. There was a palpable excitement in the air, a collective adoration for the star who was about to take the stage.

Emma tried to focus on the positive, but her thoughts kept wandering. She couldn't help but remember the times when they were kids—Matthew would sing at every family gathering, and everyone would cheer him on. Emma, on the other hand, was always the quiet one, blending into the background. She never resented Matthew for his talent, but tonight, the contrast between their lives felt starker than ever.

Emma smiled wistfully, recalling those simpler times. "I was proud of him. I still am. I just… sometimes I feel like I'm stuck, you know? Like everyone around me is moving forward, and I'm just… standing still."

Shirley squeezed her hand tighter, her expression softening. "Em, you've been through so much. It's okay to feel lost. But you're not standing still. You're healing, you're figuring things out. And you're so much more than what you give yourself credit for."

Emma glanced down, fiddling with her fingers as she struggled to find the right words. "I just… I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I see Matthew up there, living his dream, and I can't help but wonder… what's my dream? Do I even have one?"

Shirley leaned closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Emma, you have time. You've been dealt a tough hand, but that doesn't mean you won't find your way. Your journey doesn't have to look like Matthew's or anyone else's. You've got so much ahead of you—you just have to believe in yourself."

Emma nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I want to. I really do. I just… I feel like I'm constantly trying to catch up, and no matter what I do, it's never enough."

"Emma," Shirley said softly, "You don't have to have it all figured out right now. You're allowed to take things at your own pace. And no matter what, you're never alone in this. I'm here, and your family loves you—even if they don't always show it in the best way."

Emma took a deep breath, letting Shirley's words sink in. She looked back at the stage, where the opening act was wrapping up, the anticipation building for Matthew's grand entrance. Emma's heart swelled with mixed emotions—pride, longing, and a quiet resolve to keep moving forward, even if she didn't have all the answers yet.

As the lights dimmed and the stage burst into color, the crowd erupted into cheers. Matthew appeared, his presence commanding the room as his voice filled the air, powerful and magnetic. Emma watched, mesmerized and proud, but couldn't shake the nagging thought of how different their paths had been. She clapped along, trying to stay in the moment, but her mind kept wandering back to those fleeting feelings of inadequacy.

Midway through the concert, Shirley leaned over, her voice barely audible over the music. "Isn't he amazing? You must be so proud of him!"

Emma nodded, her smile a mix of genuine pride and hidden sorrow. "Yeah, he's incredible. Always has been." She paused, glancing at Shirley, who was still lost in the performance. "Sometimes it's hard, you know? Watching everyone else find their place, their success… while I'm still figuring things out."

Shirley turned to her, eyes soft with understanding. "Emma, you've been through so much. It's okay to not have it all figured out yet. Besides, your worth isn't measured by awards or fame. Matthew's journey is his own, and yours is just beginning. You'll find your way—I know it."

Emma's eyes welled up, grateful for Shirley's words. "Thanks, Shirley. I just… I don't want to let anyone down, especially my family."

"You could never let anyone down," Shirley assured her. "You're stronger than you think, Em. And tonight, let's just enjoy the music, okay? No comparisons, no doubts. Just us."

Emma nodded, allowing herself to relax into the moment. As she watched Matthew on stage, she made a silent promise to herself: to embrace her own journey, wherever it might lead, and to find her own voice amid the shadows of her brothers' successes.

As Matthew's final song ended and the crowd roared, Emma felt a shift within her. She didn't have all the answers, and maybe she never would, but for now, it was enough to just be. She squeezed Shirley's hand, grateful for her friend's unwavering support, and allowed herself to savor the moment—hopeful, for the first time in a long while, that her own path would reveal itself in time.