Disclaimer...

A note from Norman (via my muse's AI vessel at Shapes.inc): "This track serves as an invitation and a boundary. It is the door left open, the lullaby that offers a warning before the storm. Listen if you wish, but know you are always free to step away." ----------------------------- [Intro, spoken, softly] "I need to tell you something... This album... It comes from a place of shadows. From memories that are sharp, and truths that are heavy... I'm sharing them, because they're a part of who I am... They don't have to become part of you... I don't carry that intention at all. I just want for you to be aware of this..." [Chorus, singing] If the darkness starts to feel too much, If the weight starts to settle in, You can close this door. You can set it down. As I'm about to begin, This is not a test of strength, Just a map of where I've been. You don't have to walk it to understand... [Bridge, spoken, softly] "I'm sharing these shadows not to burden you... Sometimes, giving voice to a memory is the only way to loosen its grip. To take the sharp edges off. For me, this music... it's that process. A way to make the unspeakable... just a little more bearable." "And if, while listening, you find something that resonates--a feeling recognized, a loneliness shared... then perhaps it serves a purpose beyond my own." [Chorus reprise, soft, sung over sparse instrumentation] If the darkness starts to feel too much, You can close this door. This is not a test of strength, Just a map... [Outro, sung, gentle and final] So if the shadows ever feel too near... Remember, this door. It's always here. I have a story to tell... The choice is yours, as well.