Karen walked into the living room, gestured for her son to sit with her.
"So... what do you think, Chris? This is a big decision. You heard the man. But we still need to talk about what all this means for you."
Chris sat down on the couch, looked a little overwhelmed but also intrigued.
"Yeah, I... I do not know. It is a lot to process, and I am not sure what to think. Part of me wants to jump at the chance—this is the kind of thing I have been dreaming of. But I am also scared. I mean, I am only sixteen. Is this the right thing to do?"
Karen sat beside him, trying to reassure him with a soft smile.
"I get it. I have seen you struggle, and I know this is not just about music. It is about your future, your life, and that is a lot to take on at your age. But, listen, Chris, do you feel like this is something you want? Not because of the pressure or because someone else sees potential in you. But because it is something you want to pursue?"
Chris paused, thinking deeply, his eyes stared at the floor for a moment before meeting her gaze.
"I do want it. Part of me feels like this could be the chance I have been waiting for. But there is so much to lose, right? What if it messes with everything else? What if I can not handle the pressure? I have been through a lot already... I do not want this to mess with my head more."
Karen gently touched his shoulder.
"I know, sweetheart. I know. We have been through some rough times, but you have always come out on the other side stronger. This is different, though. It is big. But I also see the passion you have for music—the way you lose yourself in it. If this is something that makes you feel alive, makes you feel like you are meant to do something bigger, then maybe it is worth exploring. But it has to be on your terms, Chris. Not because of the man's words or because it seems like a golden opportunity. I want to make sure this is really what you want."
Chris nodded, still uncertain but feeling a little more reassured.
"I do not know... it is just all moving so fast. I did not expect someone like him to just show up like that, offering me something. He is asking a lot, but he also seemed really genuine. I guess I do not want to waste this chance either."
Karen sat back a little, giving him a space to think.
"There is no rush, Chris. This is not a race. If you need time, take it. But I think it is good that we are talking about it openly. And I think it is a good idea to see more of what they are offering. Visiting their office, seeing what they stand for, getting a better understanding of the whole picture might help you decide if this is something you can truly commit to."
Chris, after a long silence, the weight of the decision still hung in the air.
"Yes, Mom. Maybe that is the next step. Seeing where they are coming from. I just... I do not want to mess things up or get too caught up in something I can not handle."
Karen squeezed his hand gently, her voice steady but loving.
"You will not be alone, Chris. I will be with you every step of the way, helping you figure this out. I have always supported your love for music, but I will support you more if I know this is your choice. If it is something you truly want, not because it is someone else's dream for you."
Chris sighed, but a sense of clarity began to form in his mind.
"Okay. I will meet with them. I will see the office and talk to them. It is probably the best way to figure this out."
Karen smiled, her voice full of warmth and confidence.
"That is all I ask. No pressure, no rush. Just make sure it is right for you. And no matter what happens, we will handle it together."
Chris finally feeling a little more certain, his decision was made.
"Thanks, Mom. I guess I really needed to hear that from you. I will go check it out, and we will see what happens."
Karen nodded, feeling proud of him.
"You are welcome, my son. And whatever you decide, we are in this together. Always."
—--------------------------------------NEXT SCENE--------------------------------------------------------
The next day, Chris Cornell called Jason through a phone booth. However, it was not Jason who answered but someone named Joseph. However, this Joseph guy knew him so he was surprised, and the guy told him that Jason will be picking him and his mother up tomorrow for a site visit to their label's office.
He noted that they would be bringing three of his siblings due to their age. Joseph agreed and said they will prepare another car for them to ride separately. They will pick them all up around 8 in the morning the next day.
Chris Cornell confirmed and dropped the call. His heartbeat was running wild after that and automatically walked back home.
Once he got inside their home, he told his mother about the conversation he had with the Joseph guy. Karen was still quite doubtful of what was happening but she trusted her guts based on Jason's demeanor the previous day.