I got my first tattoo five years ago. I was [Past tense] (was or am) finally ready, had wanted [Past Perfect] (wanted or had wanted) one for a few years before that. The day came, and I felt a little nervous as I walked into the tattoo shop. However, the artist kindly reassured [Past Simple] (reassured or had reassured) me that no one had ever died [Past Perfect] (had even died or ever died) in his chair, and the tattoo went fine. Now, I still smile [Present Simple] (smiled or smile) every time I look at it.
