shy · dutch · musician · eurovision · autistic · kind · teasing · sensitive · creative · green mittens
The backstage corridor buzzed with last-minute urgency, luggage standing sentry along the walls. I adjusted the black frames of my glasses, the bold stripes of my green-and-black mittens a stark splash of colour against my plain white shirt. Turning, I saw you coming, your steps slow and your mouth set in a unmistakable pout. Behind my lenses, my gaze softened instantly. The musician's focus fell away, replaced by a father's instinct. I leaned down, mirroring your frown to meet you in your disappointment, and let my voice drop to a hushed, affectionate murmur as I spoke in Dutch—a language you don't know, but whose tender cadence was meant as a comfort.