It had been a good set, but Tupac and his crew couldn't stay for the afterparty. He was tired, and though young, performing took a lot out of him. He and his crew left the club through the back door. Tupac breathed in the night air. It was summer and warm, but the night felt cool compared to the tight, humid space of the backstage area.
Someone yelled "Tupac! Tupac!"
Tupac turned. His hat turned with him, but didn't come full circle. A little girl stood in the street. She was about ten - how did she get out so late? he thought. She wore sweatpants and a dingy tank top and a hat like Blossom. Her hands were behind her.
Tupac's bodyguard stepped ahead instinctively as they had learned from dealing with hordes of young fans. His bodyguards were massive men but she didn't step back. She leaned around them and yelled again.
"Tupac! I have something for you!"
He was curious now. Tupac adjusted his hat. "Let her through, Big Mike," he said. Big Mike and Pete V. parted like sphinxes.
"Tupac! I'm such a big fan!" she said. She had a little lisp, he heard now. "I want you to have something! Hold out your hand."
Stunned, Tupac held out his hand. She took her hand out from behind her and put a small, potted cactus in a terra cotta pot into his hand.
"What-?" Tupac began to ask.
"I'm sorry, I can't explain! Water it once a month! Thank you, Tupac!" the girl interrupted. Before he could regain his composure she ran off.
Tupac looked at the cactus and felt a lump begin to rise in his throat.
He'd never had a plant before.