Hair-Raising Rock ‘n’ Roll
It was an unassuming Tuesday when James Anderson, a mild-mannered accountant with a penchant for beige sweaters, decided to do something a little out of character.
He bought a wig. It wasn’t just any wig; it was a luscious, voluminous mane that looked like it had been ripped straight off an 80s rock star. James’ hairline had been receding for years, and he thought a wig might be a fun way to regain some youthful vigor.
“Let’s see what the fuss is about,” he muttered, slipping the wig onto his head. Instantly, he felt a tingle run down his spine. Shrugging it off as nerves, he adjusted the wig and looked in the mirror.
“Not bad, Anderson. Not bad at all,” he said, striking a pose.
The next morning, James felt strangely energized. He arrived at the office, greeted his colleagues, and took his seat in the conference room for their weekly meeting.
But something was different. His foot started tapping uncontrollably under the table, and before he knew it, his hand was in the air, shredding an invisible guitar.
“Uh, James? Everything alright?” asked his boss, Mr. Thompson, raising an eyebrow.
James snapped back to reality, his face flushed. “Oh, uh, just a muscle spasm. Won’t happen again.”
But it did happen again. And again. And again.
Over the next few days, James found himself in increasingly bizarre situations. During a client presentation, he caught himself belting out the chorus to “Livin’ on a Prayer.” In the elevator, he couldn’t resist the urge to strike rock star poses in the reflective walls. His colleagues started to notice the change.
“Nice mullet, James. Planning to join a hair band?” teased Sarah from marketing.
James laughed it off, but inside, he was worried. This wasn’t just a phase; it felt like something had taken over him. That evening, he decided to investigate.
Sitting in front of his laptop, James googled “haunted wigs.” To his surprise, he found an article about a wig once owned by Johnny “Thunder” Thompson, the legendary 80s rock star who died under mysterious circumstances. According to the article, the wig had been rumored to possess a part of Johnny’s spirit.
“No way,” James whispered. “This can’t be real.”
But the evidence was mounting. His sudden obsession with 80s rock, the uncontrollable air guitar, the urge to belt out ballads—it all fit. Determined to get some answers, James decided to contact a medium.
The next day, James met with Madam Zelda, a local medium known for her unorthodox methods and uncanny accuracy. She had a small, dimly lit shop filled with crystals, incense, and mystical artifacts.
“Ah, you must be James,” she said, eyes twinkling. “I’ve been expecting you.”
“How did you—” James began.
“Spirits talk, my dear,” she said with a wink. “Now, show me this wig.”
James handed her the wig, and she examined it closely. After a few moments, she nodded knowingly.
“Indeed, this wig is haunted by the spirit of Johnny ‘Thunder’ Thompson. His soul is bound to it, seeking to relive his glory days through you.”
James felt a chill. “So, what can I do? I can’t keep air-guitaring in meetings forever.”
Madam Zelda smiled. “The spirit is restless. Johnny must have some unfinished business. You need to find out what it is and help him fulfill it.”
James gulped. “And how do I do that?”
“By embracing the spirit within you,” she replied. “Live like Johnny. Think like Johnny. Only then will you uncover his true desire.”
Taking Madam Zelda’s advice to heart, James decided to embrace his inner rock star. He started by updating his wardrobe. Gone were the beige sweaters and sensible shoes. In their place were leather jackets, ripped jeans, and an assortment of bandanas. His colleagues were bewildered.
“Wow, James. Mid-life crisis much?” joked Dave from IT.
James just grinned and threw up the devil horns. “Rock on, Dave.”
He started carrying a portable speaker and blasting 80s rock anthems in the office. During lunch breaks, he practiced his air guitar moves, drawing amused looks from his coworkers. But the strangest part was the singing. James couldn’t stop himself from belting out ballads in the shower, on his way to work, and even during phone calls.
One night, while practicing his rock star moves in his living room, something incredible happened. James picked up his old, dusty guitar, which he hadn’t touched in years. As soon as his fingers strummed the strings, he felt a surge of energy. It was as if Johnny himself was guiding his hands.
James played like he never had before. The music flowed effortlessly, and he found himself singing lyrics he didn’t even know he knew. It was exhilarating.
James’ transformation didn’t go unnoticed. Word spread, and soon, he was approached by a local bar owner who heard about his newfound talent. They were hosting an 80s night, and he wanted James to perform.
“Are you serious?” James asked, half-excited, half-terrified.
“Dead serious. We need a headliner, and you’ve got the look and the chops,” the owner replied.
James hesitated but then remembered Madam Zelda’s words. Maybe this was the key to helping Johnny find peace. He agreed.
The night of the performance, the bar was packed. James stood backstage, heart pounding, dressed in full rock star regalia. He felt a reassuring presence and knew Johnny was with him.
As he stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers. James grabbed the mic and took a deep breath.
“This one’s for Johnny!” he shouted.
He launched into a blistering rendition of “Thunderstruck,” his fingers flying over the strings. The audience was electric, feeding off his energy. James felt alive like never before, completely in sync with Johnny’s spirit.
Song after song, he rocked the house, ending with a powerful ballad that left the crowd in awe. As he played the final note, he felt a warmth spread through him. Johnny’s spirit was finally at peace.
The next morning, James woke up feeling lighter, freer. He looked in the mirror and saw his regular hair. The wig was gone. Somehow, he knew Johnny had moved on.
Returning to work, James was greeted with cheers and applause. His colleagues had seen his performance and were thoroughly impressed.
“Who knew you had it in you, James?” Sarah said, giving him a high-five.
James grinned. “I guess I just needed to let my hair down.”
From that day on, James balanced his accounting job with occasional performances, keeping Johnny’s spirit alive in a different way. He’d learned to embrace his inner rock star, and his life was all the better for it.
And every now and then, in the quiet moments, he’d feel a little tingle, as if Johnny was still there, reminding him to keep the music alive.
