The hotel bedroom exudes a sense of tranquillity, a quiet sanctuary cocooned away from the world's hustle and bustle. Soft, muted hues adorn the walls, casting a gentle, soothing ambiance that wraps around every corner. A large window, dressed in heavy curtains, allows a subdued, silvery moonlight to seep through, casting delicate patterns across the room's surfaces.
The centrepiece of the room is a plush, inviting bed, its layers of blankets and sheets inviting respite after a gruelling match. Upon it rests Stu-E Price, his form stretched out upon the mattress. A sense of weariness and the ache of exertion trace lines on his features, a testament to the battle he had faced in the ring. His eyes are closed, his body still, yet his presence is one of quiet strength, a warrior finding solace in the embrace of rest.
Lying beside him, like a guardian angel, is his 8-year-old daughter, Laney. Her petite frame is nestled beneath the covers, her wide eyes filled with curiosity and wonder. The innocence of youth dances across her features, a stark contrast to the intensity of the wrestling world her father embodies.
"Daddy," she begins in a voice as soft as a whisper, "was that match with Sean tough?"
Stu-E stirs, a half-smile tugging at his lips as he opens his eyes to gaze at his inquisitive daughter. The moonlight plays upon her features, casting an ethereal glow that seems to embrace her innocence.
"Hey, Laney," he replies, his voice carrying a trace of warmth and tenderness. "Yeah, you could say that. Definitely feeling my age right now."
Laney's eyes widen with awe, her small fingers tracing patterns on the bedsheets before a smile flashes on her face, "Well, you are getting old, Daddy!”
Stu-E's smile widens as he shifts to face his daughter fully, his aches momentarily forgotten. "Well, thank you very much!"
Laney's brow furrows in thought, her gaze fixed on her father's face. "I was just joking, Daddy. It was a really good match to watch, even when Sean was being funny, and falling."
Stu-E chuckles softly, reaching out to tuck a strand of Laney's hair behind her ear. "It’s hard for some people to stay focused, that’s all, Laney. But he came round, we had a hell of a fight and it sets it up for another one down the road."
Laney's eyes sparkle with understanding as she snuggles closer to her father, seeking comfort in his presence. "I'm just glad you're okay, Daddy. I was worried when you got hurt."
Stu-E's heart swells with affection as he wraps his arm around his daughter, pulling her closer. "I'm tough, Laney, just like you. And having you by my side makes everything better."
As the moonlight continues to cast its soft glow, father and daughter share a moment of quiet connection, their love and bond transcending the world of wrestling and reaching into the realm of unwavering family devotion.
**The Morning After**
The morning sunlight gently filters through the curtains, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the hotel room. A small table is set near the window, adorned with a simple breakfast spread. Stu-E Price sits across from his daughter, Laney, both engrossed in their morning meal.
The table is a canvas of colours and flavours, featuring a plate of waffles adorned with a drizzle of golden syrup, fresh berries, and a dusting of powdered sugar. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of breakfast.
Stu-E savours a bite of waffle, his expression reflecting both the taste and the satisfaction of being in his daughter's company. Laney chatters animatedly between bites, her youthful enthusiasm filling the air with a sense of joy and vibrancy.
"Daddy, do you think you'll have another match like last night?" Laney's eyes sparkle with excitement.
Stu-E chuckles, his deep voice resonating with affection. "I hope not, thought I might have killed him at one point, but the show has to go on."
Just as they engage in a conversation about wrestling and Laney's aspirations, Stu-E's phone vibrates, momentarily interrupting the moment. He glances at the screen, recognizing the caller ID as Terry, from the media department of HWA. With a polite smile, he signals to Laney.
"Two seconds, darling," he says, his voice warm as he reaches for his phone.
Laney nods, her attention returning to her waffles as Stu-E answers the call. His tone remains courteous as he listens to Terry's voice on the other end. A slight furrow forms on his brow as he hears the request for interviews and public relations events.
"I appreciate your offer, Terry," Stu-E replies, his voice a blend of consideration and caution. "But you know I’m getting a bit tired of this now. Every show, every damn show something happens, it’s me that must go smooth things over with the media. What do I get in return? Not a pay rise, I know that much."
Terry's voice carries a note of persistence as he attempts to persuade Stu-E. He outlines the potential benefits of increased media exposure, especially after the recent show and the intense match with Sean Parker.
Stu-E's gaze shifts toward Laney, who is finishing up her waffles. He offers her a warm smile, his eyes conveying a sense of understanding and affection. "Laney, darling, would you mind heading to your room to get showered and dressed? I need a moment to finish this call."
Laney nods, her young face lighting up with compliance. "Sure, Daddy. I'll be quick!"
As Laney leaves the room, Stu-E's expression shifts, his voice growing firmer as he addresses Terry. "Look, Terry, I respect what you're saying, but my priority is Laney. I put myself on the chopping block on every TV show and every interview I give, trying to put HWA in a good light and all I get is people questioning behind my back about the choices I’m making for my child. Frankly, it’s bullshit, and nobody listens to a damn thing I say.
I said Parker would be distracted and he could get hurt, I said Fallen would show up in the crowd and cause trouble and nobody listened!"
There's a brief pause on the other end of the line as Terry processes Stu-E's response. The conversation continues, with Stu-E articulating his thoughts and concerns, asserting his stance with unwavering resolve.
“Right now, I’m doing nothing but recovering from my match. Laying there hearing that bell ring brought a few things home. I’m not as young as I used to be and I definitely shouldn’t be flying backwards and forwards to England before a show as much because you’ve got me media work in my home country. Something’s just gotta give, Terry.”
The room remains infused with a sense of quiet determination as Stu-E Price and Terry inaudibly engage further in their conversation, each voice reflecting their own perspective and goals. The world of wrestling and media converge in this small hotel room, a backdrop to a discussion that will shape Stu-E's path in the days to come.
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