Walking To the Moon

XI

The sun was shining on the sky of California as Shawn was making his way into the sleek, modern office of Larry, the star manager, his eyes immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the walls, offering a panoramic view of the bustling city below. The room was bathed in natural light, casting a warm glow over the minimalist decor.

Larry, a man in his forties with a confident demeanor, rose from his desk to greet Shawn with a firm handshake. "Welcome, Shawn. Victor mentioned you'd be stopping by. I'm excited to see what we can do together."

Shawn nodded, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation coursing through him. He knew this meeting could be the catalyst for his career as an artist.

As they settled into their discussion, Larry wasted no time in outlining his vision for Shawn's transformation. "First things first," he began, gesturing towards Shawn's casual attire. "We need to elevate your stage presence. Hoodies won't cut it in the pop music scene. We're going for a more polished, sophisticated look."

Shawn nodded, taking in Larry's words. He had expected some changes, but the idea of ditching his beloved hoodies felt like a significant shift.

"Think tight-fitting jeans, shirts or t-shirts neatly tucked in," Larry continued, his tone decisive. "We want to project a sense of confidence and style that resonates with your target audience."

Shawn listened intently, realizing that Larry's guidance would shape not only his image but also his career trajectory.

"And speaking of your audience," Larry added, leaning in slightly, "we're targeting young women and teenage girls. They're your key demographic, so everything from your fashion choices to your music needs to appeal to them."

Shawn absorbed the information, feeling a sense of excitement building within him. This was his chance to make a real impact in the music industry, and with Larry's expertise guiding him, he knew he was in good hands.

"Are you ready for this, Shawn?" Larry asked, his eyes locking onto Shawn's with unwavering intensity.

Shawn took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. "I'm ready," he replied, determination shining in his eyes. "Let's make some magic happen."

Shawn followed Larry out of the sleek office and into another room bustling with activity. The space was filled with stylists and assistants, each focused on their specific task at hand. An elderly woman stood by, her scissors poised and ready to give Shawn a fresh haircut. Her years of experience were evident in the confident way she approached her craft.

Despite his outward excitement and determination to embrace the changes Larry suggested, a sense of unease gnawed at Shawn's insides. While he understood the importance of cultivating a polished image as an artist, the prospect of fundamentally altering his appearance filled him with apprehension.

As he sat in the barber's chair, watching as his hair was transformed into a sleek, modern style, Shawn couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the pit of his stomach. Each snip of the scissors seemed to symbolize a piece of his identity being trimmed away, leaving behind a version of himself that felt increasingly unfamiliar.

Similarly, as the makeup artist expertly applied her brushes to his face, Shawn couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort at the thought of concealing his natural features beneath layers of cosmetics. While he understood the need for a polished appearance on stage, the idea of masking his true self behind a facade of makeup left him feeling exposed and vulnerable.

And as he tried on the stylish garments selected for him by the wardrobe stylist, Shawn couldn't shake the nagging sense of doubt that tugged at the corners of his mind. Each outfit felt like a costume, a disguise designed to fit the mold of the artist Larry envisioned him becoming. While he appreciated the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into each garment, a part of him longed to reclaim the authenticity and individuality that defined his true essence.