Sean tried to steady his breathing as he pushed open the door leading to the backstage medical area. The hum of fluorescent lights overhead did little to dull the cacophony of his thoughts. His aunt and uncle were in the middle of a storm, the kind that had its origins long before his time in HWA. He had grown up idolising his uncle Butch, this larger-than-life behemoth of a man who had practically raised him as his own son. To see him like that, reduced to someone barely holding it together, literally being sick at the mere thought of another person, was unnerving in a way Sean couldn't articulate. It gnawed at him. But, like he had come to appreciate in recent times, that telltale tug on the inside of his head jerked him from the thoughts. That calming, cool ethereal touch on his shoulder almost instantly quelled the rising waves within him and he regained his focus as he rounded a corner to find Michelle leaning against the wall outside the medical room. She looked up, her face lighting up briefly before the weight of concern returned. She ran up to Sean, placing her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly.

(Michelle): I can’t believe this, tonight has been so bad! First Jeremy acting out, then Mr Hans getting attacked like that and now this!

Sean wrapped his arms around Michelle, hugging her tightly, stroking her hair.

(Sean): I know… I know…how’s Laney?

(Michelle): Mr Price already came and took her to the hospital; she looked in good spirits though.

Sean nodded his head as they slowly separated from their hug but Michelle held on to one of Sean’s hands like it were a makeshift security blanket.

(Michelle): Are your uncle and aunt okay? I can only imagine what they’re feeling right now, Sean.

Sean ran his free hand through his hair, glancing around to make sure they were alone.

(Sean): It’s bad, Chelle… Uncle Butch is…

He paused, trying to find the right word. He’d rarely seen his uncle like that, affected physically by the notion of another human being.

(Sean): …Not good. Aunt Wisdom’s doing her best to hold it together, but he…he’s shaken, Chelle. I can’t remember ever seeing him like this….

Michelle’s brow furrowed with concern, raising her own free hand up to cup Sean’s cheek.

(Michelle): We have to help them, Sean. We have to help in any way we can. I remember seeing Senester on TV when my brothers and I used to watch HWA and I never imagined another human being could be like that.

(Sean): I know… I’m getting the car they both arrived in tonight and we’re going to head to the airport to make sure we can get out of here without a scene and without the media haranguing them. They need to get out of the spotlight, at least for a bit. But honestly?

He sighed.

(Sean): I don’t think it’s the media that’s the problem. It’s him.

Michelle didn’t need further explanation. She’d heard the stories too and saw them unfold as a fan of the company but never once thought, as an employee, she’d possibly have to live them. Senester was a ghost that haunted every conversation about HWA, a name whispered with equal parts disgust and fear.

(Michelle): Do you think…

Michelle hesitated for a second.

(Michelle): Do you think he’s back to try and take HWA again? I can’t even imagine someone like him being in charge, Sean!

Sean shrugged.

(Sean): I don’t know. But if Senester’s name is in lights again, it’s not because he wants to share his story or tell his side. It’s because he wants something…

Michelle nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line.

(Michelle): Alright, let’s get moving. The sooner we’re at the airport, the better.

The two of them moved quickly through the labyrinth of hallways, Sean keeping his phone in hand to coordinate the car. His chest tightened as he thought about what lay ahead. He knew his role here was support, to keep things running while Butch and Wisdom figured out their next move. But he’d also seen enough to know that this time, support might not be enough.

By the time they reached the exit, a black SUV was already idling outside, the same one that Butch and Wisdom had arrived in. Sean and Michelle quickly threw their bags in the trunk and climbed into the driver and passenger doors respectively. As Sean pulled away, his phone buzzed with a text. It was from Wisdom.

On our way. Keep the car running at the jet. We’ll talk when we’re airborne.

Sean exhaled slowly, leaning back against the driver’s seat, eyes still on the road. He quickly glanced over at Michelle, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and determination.

(Michelle): You okay?

Sean nodded, though he wasn’t sure if it was true.

(Sean): I will be. Once we’re out of here.

He turned his gaze out in front of him, the city lights blurring as they sped toward the airport. Somewhere in the back of his mind, a single thought lingered, chilling him to the bone. After all, tonight wasn’t supposed to end like this. He had put on a banger match with Maniac and came out with a win and had ended the night mirroring what Butch had achieved 20 years prior - winning the Superstar of the Year and he was engaged to his soulmate. Things should’ve been coming up Sean after tonight. But no. This ominous dark cloud that Sean was hopeful would never hang over his family had started to form. Then, as it always did, Michelle’s sweet, soft voice snapped him out of his stupor.

(Michelle): Hey, Sean…. I know there’s a lot going on. I know you’re worried about your uncle, about Senester and everything that’s happened tonight. But, I’m so proud of you.

She reached over and placed her hand over his as it was gripping the gearstick of the car, rubbing her thumb across the top of it assuringly.

(Michelle): You are the HWA Superstar of the Year, Sean. I know it hurts that you’re not World Champion, but the fans voted you as their Superstar. Not Mr Price, not Maniac, not Mr Hans. You. Regardless of whatever happens, no one can take that away from you. All your hard work, your dedication. The fans appreciate it. And so do I. I love you, Sean Parker and don’t ever forget that.

In spite of all of the uncertainty that had surrounded the conclusion of Havoc, Michelle was always Sean’s guiding light, showing him exactly where he needed to go to find his way back.

(Sean): I love you too.

He leaned over, still keeping his eyes on the road, giving his fiancée a quick kiss on the lips. As they arrived at the airport, a throng of reporters awaited them, obviously thinking they were expecting Butch and Wisdom.

(Sean): Well, ready for a dress rehearsal as Mrs Parker?

Michelle just playfully rolled her eyes at Sean’s attempt at humour in the circumstances as the scene faded to black.