The Big Shot-Caller 2009

Jamie Lessen’s existence has often felt like a collage of disjointed experiences, where the fabric of his reality has been challenged by the peculiar limitations of his rare eye condition. As a young boy, his dreams sparkled with the same energy as a salsa dancer’s rhythm, yet the stark truths of his physical struggles compelled him to reconsider those aspirations. His formative years were tainted by feelings of abandonment when his older sister, Lianne, chose to leave their home, leaving young Jamie at the mercy of their stern, poker-loving father. The following years were spent in the gray routine of Manhattan’s accounting world, where genuine connections became elusive.

Then entered Elissa, an electrifying force that rekindled the dormant flames of passion within him. In her presence, Jamie felt as though he could conquer the world, his senses awake to the joys love can bring. Yet, this blissful moment was fleeting, as the relationship unraveled abruptly when she ceased all communication, propelling him into an abyss of loneliness and heartbreak.

Fast forward a decade, and the shadows of that emotional turmoil still haunted Jamie. It was during this period of despair that he turned to Lianne for guidance, who had carved out her own niche in life. Her heartfelt advice resonated deeply: >“God is the big shot-caller,” she counseled, perhaps hinting at a much-needed clarity that Jamie had yet to grasp about himself.

Inspired by Lianne’s wisdom, Jamie was prompted to confront his innermost fears and embark on a transformative journey toward self-discovery. As he maneuvered through the chaos of his emotions, layers of uncertainty and self-doubt slowly began to peel away. The dance floor emerged as a symbol of liberation—a vibrant arena where he unearthed a restored sense of identity and purpose.

In the pulsating atmosphere filled with the invigorating sounds of salsa, Jamie finally connected not just with his surroundings but with himself, paving the way for new experiences and the possibility of love anew.