Chapter 1：Guaranteed win. (1/2)
I've been fortunate enough to have attended the Golden Laurel Awards many times in the past. And yet, the excitement I feel every single time never seems to fade.
Oh, it's not because I'm the one winning trophies, by the way.
The ones who did were the actors and actresses I manage. Still, it makes me feel so happy being able to oversee their journey right from the start.
There is nothing greater than that sense of fulfillment I get, being able to witness the day they finally turn into exceptional, internationally recognized performers of the arts.
The film Kieran Viol starred in has also been nominated for numerous prestigious awards.
The movie, as well as the entire main cast, has received an overwhelming amount of positive reviews both from the critics and the general audience themselves.
While it's bad luck to assume he'll emerge victorious because of the movie's success, we still can't help but feel that it's almost a guaranteed win at this point.
As I continue to listen to the emcees do their introduction for the announcement of the winner for the 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' award, a cold, slightly trembling hand goes over mine.
I may have yelped if I were alone or surrounded by strangers, but I knew this hand couldn't have belonged to anyone else but Kieran.
”I can't take it anymore. Please... please end my misery already and announce the damn winner...!” Kieran whispers in a soft, yet urgent pleading tone.
Without saying anything, I lightly place my other hand on top of his and squeeze it softly.
”And now... we would like to announce the winner of the 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' award...” One of the emcees bellows with as much suspense as they can muster. ”... the winner is... KIERAN VIOL, lead actor of the movie, 'The Clocktower'! CONGRATULATIONS!” Both of the announcers clap and encourage the crowd to give him a standing ovation as it is a truly deserving win.
I do my best to keep my composure as the cameras are aimed towards our direction now.
I try to hold in the tears that have been forming in my eyes. I gently nudge Kieran, who seems to have frozen on the spot to stand up and go towards the stage.
Looking at his back while he continues to walk away, I smile and muse to myself that I really could not have asked for anything better as my last day here in Laratié.
There is no question that I will genuinely miss this country and the life I've built for myself here so far.
* * * * *
[1.5 HOURS LATER]
With the awards ceremony now wrapped up, I decided to go out for some air before catching a taxi.