Part 3: Plans for an album and a flight back to Scotland

James was sitting in an airplane. He was wedged into his seat and once again wished to be just a few centimetres shorter. Anything to make him more comfortable. He was looking through the window and watched the rain drizzle on the runway.

Just a few hours ago, James had met with Carl for a sunday brunch. The day before, Carl had talked with everyone in their band and had booked a recording studio for the following Saturday. James wanted to stay in Hamburg and prepare the recording session with them, but Carl had talked him out of it. He said that James didn't have to decide music and his family. "It's just about staying a few days in Scotland," he had said. "You're blowing things out of proportion".
"This means you're planning our first album without me," James countered. "And isn't the first album one of a band's most important milestones. Why do you think I would want to miss that?"
"What are you talking about?" asked Carl. "Of course you'll be there when we'll record it. And even if you weren't, that would just show you have healthy constraints in your life."
James hadn't been convinced. Art is about self-expression, yes. But creative work is a craft, and showmanship a promise. Being part of a band comes with a set of responsibilities. By leaving now, he was ignoring this responsibility.
"Bullshit!" Carl had almost shouted when James explained his concerns. "Everybody has to deal with stuff. And sometimes, life happens. So don't be upset about it. Think instead how much you'll hate yourself later if your mum really dies and you weren't with her because of a silly album that might lead us nowhere."

And so, James had grudgingly booked a flight to Edinburgh. From there, his brother would fetch him. Now he was sitting in Amsterdam, waiting for the second flight on his trip to start. He still didn't want to be here.

There's no part four. Here's why.