The concert was electric, the crowd's energy palpable as Matthew Hamilton took the stage. The audience erupted in deafening screams, phones held high to capture every second of his performance. Matthew's voice soared through the arena, effortlessly commanding the attention of thousands. As he sang, the crowd sang along, their voices blending with his in a powerful chorus that echoed through the night. Emma and Shirley were swept up in the excitement, momentarily forgetting all worries as they enjoyed the music.
But the blissful evening took a sharp turn once the concert ended. As Emma and Shirley made their way toward the exit, a group of fans crowded near the merchandise booth, eagerly buying posters, T-shirts, and other memorabilia. Emma and Shirley, however, opted to bypass the stand, planning to head straight home. Just as they were about to leave, a sneering voice from behind caught their attention.
"You're not buying anything? Guess you're not real fans, huh?" one of the staff members scoffed, his eyes narrowing in disdain. "If you truly loved Matthew Hamilton, you'd show some support instead of just freeloading off the concert."
Emma and Shirley exchanged uneasy glances, taken aback by the sudden hostility. Before they could respond, a few overzealous fans nearby joined in, their voices dripping with judgment.
"She's right," one fan chimed in. "Fake fans like you don't deserve to be here. Real fans support Matthew by buying his merch!"
"Exactly," another agreed. "If you can't even do that, what are you even doing here?"
The harsh words swirled around them, each comment sharper than the last. Emma felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, her grip tightening on Shirley's arm as the crowd's accusations grew louder. Shirley tried to speak up, but the hostile fans drowned her out, their voices merging into a chaotic chorus of criticism.
Amid the commotion, Matthew Hamilton was wrapping up backstage when he caught a glimpse of the scene unfolding near the exit. His eyes narrowed, a familiar silhouette drawing his attention. Realizing it was his sister, Emma, he quickly made his way over, his expression darkening as he overheard the cruel remarks.
Without hesitation, Matthew stepped between his sister and the crowd, his presence immediately silencing the group. He fixed the staff member with a cold, steely glare. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, his voice echoing with authority.
The staff member stammered, struggling to explain, but Matthew cut him off sharply. "You think it's your job to harass people for not buying merchandise? You don't get to decide who my real fans are." He pointed a finger at the staffer, his voice firm and unyielding. "You're fired. Pack your things and leave. Now."
Matthew then turned his attention to the gathered fans, his tone shifting to one of frustration. "I appreciate all of you for supporting me, but this behavior? It's not okay. Being a fan doesn't give you the right to judge or bully others. Respect is non-negotiable."
The crowd fell silent, the air heavy with guilt and regret. Matthew wrapped a protective arm around Emma's shoulders, guiding her and Shirley away from the scene. Emma looked up at her brother, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and lingering embarrassment.
"You didn't have to do that," Emma whispered, her voice shaky. "I didn't want to cause a scene…"
Matthew squeezed her shoulder reassuringly. "No one has the right to make you feel small, Emma. Not on my watch." He glanced at Shirley, offering her a grateful nod. "Thanks for looking out for her."
Shirley smiled softly, relieved the ordeal was over. "Always."
As they walked away from the arena, Matthew's protective grip never wavered. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt the warmth of family envelop her, a reminder that no matter how far apart their lives had drifted, some bonds were unbreakable.