When the final beat trailed off into silence, Albert stood still in the booth, his breath visible in the cool air. The silence that followed was heavy, but for the first time all day, his mind was completely quiet.
Albert smiled, nodding along to his own voice. He didn't need to ask for anyone's permission, and he certainly didn't need to apologize for his success. He picked up his phone, muted the notifications, and pocketed it. The world could wait. AlbertNbn - Pardon
In that single word, the entire concept of the song crystallized. It wasn't an apology to the world; it was a polite but firm dismissal of the outside noise. It was his way of saying, Excuse me while I step past your expectations and do exactly what I came here to do. When the final beat trailed off into silence,