You’ve been paying the cost of not knowing long enough.

The Night That Changed Everything

It was just another night on Collateral Lounge Drive until everything changed. My car hummed along the familiar streets of Atlanta, tires crunching on gravel as I drove down Collateral Lounge Drive. I parked near that spot where it all went wrong and stepped into the old lounge, feeling the chill of that night seep into my bones.

The door creaked open, and inside, the air was thick with memories. The bar was empty, save for a few flickering shadows in the corner. I sat at the piano, the keys cold under my fingers, trying to find the right tune.

The Scar

I hit play on the song that always came next, when the night got real. “Collateral Lounge Drive” began with a slow, soulful beat. It was like the world outside had paused, and I was the only one moving.

The track played in my head: the sound of footsteps echoing through empty hallways, the taste of cheap whiskey lingering on my tongue, and the weight of choices made under the influence. The song was a mirror, reflecting back all the times I thought I knew better but still fell for it anyway.

I drove around the block one more time, letting the music wash over me. Each turn brought new memories, each curve a reminder of where I had been and who I used to be. But as the song faded into silence, so did the night’s heavy cloak.

The Cost

The morning sun would eventually shine through my window, but for now, I was stuck in this moment, this memory, and it wasn’t going anywhere. Every stream buys back a piece of what it cost.

One Final Drive

I hit play again, letting “Collateral Lounge Drive” fill the car with its haunting melody. I took one last look at the lounge, then turned the key and drove away. The streets were empty now, just like my heart was. But somewhere in those tracks, a part of me remained, a memory that would always linger.

Every stream buys back a piece of what it cost. If you want to dive deeper into these stories, check out more at relentlessaaron.net.

Hear the track for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brA4RzIaj_E