89 Encounter

Stepping into the darkened Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, Paul's anticipation crackled like the popcorn machine warming up in the lobby. He wasn't just watching a movie; he was about to experience the debut film of his roommate and friend, Lucas, titled "127 Hours."

As he shared this tidbit with his friends, a wave of surprise washed over them. The rugged, determined character they'd seen in trailers, defying the harsh desert environment, was Paul's young friend named Lucas? It was a jarring contrast, yet one that piqued their curiosity even further.

The film began, and Paul found himself drawn into the story immediately. The rawness of the narrative, the stark beauty of the landscape, and Lucas' captivating performance transported them all. As the film progressed, a sense of quiet awe settled over the group.

The amputation scene, a pivotal moment in the film, arrived with a palpable tension. Paul just knew that some viewers had fainted or felt lightheaded during this scene. He braced himself, expecting the graphic visuals to be the trigger. However, what he perceived was different.

Lucas' portrayal wasn't solely about the physical act; it was a deep dive into the emotional turmoil and resilience of his character. The scene, while intense, resonated with a raw honesty that superseded mere gore. Paul and his friends, as fellow actors, were left speechless, not by the blood, but by the sheer power of Lucas' performance.

As the credits rolled and ending song faded, a stunned silence filled the theater. Paul glanced at his friends, their faces etched with a mix of admiration and envy.

Paul and his friends exchanged stunned glances. The film, "127 Hours," had left a profound impact, not just for its gripping story but also for the revelation of Lucas's hidden talents.

The song, with its raw emotion and powerful lyrics, resonated deeply. The realization that Lucas had not only acted in the film but also composed the music added another layer of awe to Paul, who thought to know Lucas very well.

---

Besides Paul, the other friends of Lucas, which is Liza, Leonard, and Samantha, also found themselves drawn to the theater to support Lucas debut film.

Just like Paul, they were captivated by the film. Lucas's portrayal of the protagonist held them spellbound, his raw intensity and emotional depth leaving them speechless.

Meanwhile, in the bustling Los Angeles, Lucas followed Nolan through the gleaming hallways of Warner Bros. HQ. Lucas was still unaware of the impact his debut film was having, his mind focused on the upcoming recording session for the song "Fix You." Nolan, having secured the studio's prestigious recording facilities, was guiding him towards the designated space.

Suddenly, Nolan came to a halt. He greeted a man approaching them, a middle-aged figure with striking black hair and piercing blue eyes. As Lucas turned to follow Nolan's gaze, a strange sense of familiarity washed over him.

The man, whose conversation with Nolan had just concluded, turned sharply towards Lucas. His eyes widened in surprise, and a single word escaped his lips. "Lucas?"

The abruptness of his address startled not only Lucas but also Nolan, who exchanged a confused glance with his young companion. "Oh, Vince, you know Lucas?" he inquired.

Hearing the name "Vince" spoken aloud, a tremor of recognition shot through Lucas. The middle-aged man's features, which had already triggered a sense of familiarity, suddenly clicked into place.

Vince's next words seemed to solidify his suspicion. He smiled, a hint of curiosity breaking through the initial astonishment. "Of course I know him, Christopher," he said, using Nolan's first name. "Lucas is my son, after all..."

Nolan, while composed, managed a surprised chuckle. "Well, this is certainly interesting," he remarked, his gaze flitting between Lucas and Vince. "I didn't expect Lucas to be your son, Vince."

The name "Lucas Knight" had been a minor detail to Nolan, but now, with Vince's words echoing in the hallway, it resonated with a new significance. Lucas's family name, "Knight," perfectly matched Vince's.

Meanwhile, Vince studied Lucas with a curiosity etched on his face. His brow furrowed slightly as he asked, "What are you doing here, Lucas?"

The question, seemingly innocent, triggered a wave of apprehension within Lucas. He knew, from the fragmented memories he'd inherited and from the previous owner's diary, that the original Lucas and his father had a strained relationship. How should he respond?

Seeing the hesitation flicker across Lucas's face, Nolan stepped in smoothly. "Lucas is actually involved in my current film project, Vince," he explained, offering a friendly smile. "He's one of the talented actors you'll see on screen soon."

Vince's surprise was evident. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on Lucas. "An actor, huh?" he murmured. "Interesting. So, he's part of the recording session you mentioned?"

Nolan nodded, relieved to steer the conversation away from potentially sensitive topics. "Yes, he's lending his voice to a crucial part of the soundtrack," he confirmed.

As they spoke, Lucas remained silent, his mind caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

Nolan, who can subtly perceived the situation, couldn't quite shake the uncomfortable tension radiating from Lucas after his encounter with Vince. While he didn't pry, he felt compelled to offer an escape route. "If that's all, Vince," he interjected diplomatically, "we best be on our way. Recording schedule's quite tight, you see."

Vince, seemingly understanding, offered a curt nod. "Of course, of course. My apologies for taking up your time." He turned to Lucas, his hand briefly resting on his shoulder with a firm squeeze. "We can always catch up later, son," he said, his voice carrying a hint of both warmth and unspoken expectations. "If you want, that is."

Lucas, caught between relief and apprehension, could only manage a hesitant nod. As Vince melted back into the flow of the hallway, a sigh escaped Lucas's lips.

Nolan, sensing his unease, offered a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"You seem a bit on edge," he said, his voice gentle. "I don't know why you are uncomfortable to meet your father, but for now, let's focus on the song. We have a great piece to create."

Lucas, grateful for Nolan's quiet understanding and his choice to avoid prying questions, nodded in agreement.