Panel 1: Narration reads, "...if the record could just keep spinning." A transgender woman with a short, shaggy pixie cut, large gold hoop earrings, winged eyeliner, and a blank tank top smiles brightly as she says, "Hey, look who it is! Cutting it close to call there, kiddo. Want a drink before you go on?"

Panel 2: Daniel waves weakly at the woman, who rests comfortably behind the bar. He says, "Hey, Elena. Sorry about that. And thanks, but no thanks. I'll stick to water for now." The narration adds, "That's no way to live a life."

Panel 3: Elena, the bartender, leans forward to try to talk to Daniel, even as he continues walking away. Elena calls, "One of these days, you're gonna have to try one of my cocktails!" Daniel answers, "Yeah, definitely." The narration adds, "To live knowing there's another verse that follows..."

Panel 4: "...but never getting a chance to hear it." Now that he's walked past her and she can't see him, Daniel lets his smile fall from his face.
2002

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