The Greatest Showman #1471 - Deadly Trap

After Andrew's collapse, everything shifted dramatically.

He was expelled from the academy for assaulting his teacher. Giving up drumming entirely, Andrew began searching for a new direction in life. Meanwhile, his father, using his connections, sued Fletcher and the academy, forcing Fletcher's dismissal. Andrew was an anonymous witness in the case, though neither Fletcher nor Andrew knew who had blown the whistle.

By chance, Andrew runs into Fletcher at a jazz bar. During their conversation, Fletcher casually mentions that he was fired due to the anonymous report. For the first time, the two speak calmly, without the tension that had defined their previous encounters. Before parting ways, Fletcher tells Andrew that he is now the conductor of a jazz band about to perform at Carnegie Hall for the Jazz Festival. He invites Andrew to join them.

Carnegie Hall—the pinnacle of musical achievement—is the stage every musician dreams of. A successful performance here would catapult anyone into the spotlight, solidifying their career. Fletcher tells Andrew that the band is in need of a drummer, and that the set will include "Whiplash" and "Caravan."

Moved by the opportunity, Andrew digs out his drum kit once again, re-practices his basic skills, and commits to mastering the two pieces. As he prepares for the performance at Carnegie Hall, however, nerves start to take hold. The memory of past failures resurfaces, and Andrew's hands tremble uncontrollably, his forearms shaking despite his best efforts to remain calm. His gaze drifts over the "Whiplash" score, and dark memories flood back.

Just then, Fletcher appears.

Fletcher doesn't head straight for the podium, but instead, he stops in front of Andrew. For a moment, Andrew's heart slows. He manages a shaky smile and lifts his eyes to meet Fletcher's. But the tightness in his jaw betrays his nerves.

Fletcher fixes him with a chilling gaze. "Do you think I'm stupid?" he asks.

Andrew, confused, stares at him blankly. "What?" he asks, trying to understand.

"I know it's you," Fletcher says, his voice cold, his eyes void of warmth.

In that instant, Andrew realizes what Fletcher means. Fletcher knows that Andrew was the one who anonymously reported him, leading to his firing. And now, here, at Carnegie Hall, it all clicks: this is a trap—a meticulously planned one.

Carnegie Hall is synonymous with prestige, its stage representing the highest achievement for musicians. A great performance here means instant fame, the kind that can elevate a musician's career. But a failure at Carnegie Hall is remembered forever. Even the smallest mistake is amplified and becomes a permanent label on a career. For Andrew, this could mean the end.

Fletcher has planned this moment carefully. He knows Andrew is unlikely to handle the pressure. He knows that Andrew will fail.

Fletcher is secure in his position—he's already lost his job and is in his fifties—but for Andrew, this could be a career-ruining moment. Fletcher is willing to destroy Andrew to get back at him for exposing him. This performance is the culmination of his plan: to crush Andrew's potential once and for all.

"I know it's you," Fletcher repeats, as his cold eyes fix on Andrew. The cruel memories flood back as Andrew watches Fletcher walk toward the stage.

Andrew begins to tremble uncontrollably, a deep-rooted fear overtaking him. He stares at Fletcher's bald head, the oppressive power radiating from him. Fletcher's every movement is calculated, like a cat playing with a mouse before delivering the final blow.

Andrew's mind races with thoughts of escape, but it's too late. The performance is about to begin. There's no way out.

As the band starts, Andrew remains frozen, unable to concentrate. The music in front of him is new to him—he's never heard of "Upswinging"—and without any sheet music, he has no idea how to play it. Panic sets in. His eyes blur, and his hands shake as he struggles to follow along with the band.

His attempts are disastrous. His drumming disrupts the entire performance, throwing off the rhythm of the band. Even an untrained listener could tell something's wrong.

The cellist nearby pleads, "Please! Play! Play!"

This is a golden opportunity for the rest of the band. If they miss it, who knows when another chance like this will come? But Andrew can't pull it together. His drumming is far from what's required for Carnegie Hall, and his discomfort is palpable.

When the performance finally ends, the few scattered claps from the audience feel more humiliating than silence. Fletcher approaches Andrew, his voice dripping with scorn.

"I guess you just don't have the talent," Fletcher whispers.

Andrew stares blankly at the stage, his eyes empty. Desperation, humiliation, and fear overwhelm him as he faces the cold gaze of the audience. The pity in their eyes only deepens his shame.

Tears, cold and silent, begin to form in his eyes as his spirit fades. His career, his dream, everything slips away in that moment. There's nothing left but the dead silence in his heart.