36

[REBECCA]
My gaze wandered away from him, fixating upon the grand piano. Its beauty mesmerized me, filling me with an instant sense of serenity. Embracing myself, I took a few steps forward and positioned myself in the center of the room. My eyes remained fixed upon the piano, and an irresistible urge to caress its velvety keys surged within me.
Defeated, my shoulders slumped, and I tore my gaze away from the instrument, directing it towards Artemy. His intense eyes were already locked onto me, though their meaning remained inscrutable.
Our eyes locked, refusing to waver. The intensity between us grew as seconds ticked by. A lump formed in my throat, and with a deep gulp, I finally looked away. Unable to resist, my gaze shifted downward, tracing the path to his chest. What I saw nearly took my breath away.
His hands were a mess, bloodied and bruised knuckles contrasting starkly against his pale skin. Deep gashes marred the surface, evidence of a fierce struggle. He hadn’t bothered to clean up the wounds, and my heart constricted at the sight.
Raising my eyes again, I found his unwavering gaze still fixed on me. Nervously licking my lips, I clenched my cold hands tightly. Artemy’s expression remained blank as he averted his eyes to the piano, enveloping the room in silence. It felt as though time stood still, as if we had forgotten to breathe.
Suddenly, he gruffly broke the silence with a question that caught me off guard, “Do you play?” My mouth fell open, surprised by his unexpected inquiry. My heart raced, and I struggled to swallow the lump in my throat. With a trembling voice, I managed to reply, “Yes.”
The ensuing silence was deafening. I waited for him to say something, anything, but he remained silent, as though I had become invisible. Still, I stayed rooted in place, unsure of what I was waiting for, tugging nervously at the hem of my dress.
Finally, I decided to give Artemy the space he needed. Slowly backing away, I turned my back to him and began making my way toward the exit. However, just as I was about to step out of the room, his voice stopped me in my tracks. My steps faltered, and his words caused my heart to skip a beat.
“Do you want to play?”
His unexpected question hung in the air, leaving me momentarily stunned. Taking a step forward and away from the door, I mustered the courage to ask, “I can play?”
He turned his gaze toward me, his eyes still devoid of emotion. “Do you want to?”
With a nod and a tremor of excitement coursing through me, I couldn’t contain the smile that spread across my lips. It felt like pure bliss. Artemy continued to observe me with his lifeless gaze, but he subtly gestured toward the piano. It was all the encouragement I needed.
Approaching the instrument, I halted in front of it. My heart felt light, and as I placed my fingers on the keys, I closed my eyes, shutting out the world around me. Artemy’s piercing stare never left me, his anticipation palpable.
Allowing my fingers to move freely, I began to play, the notes flowing softly and delicately. The melody weaved its way through the air, like a gentle wave caressing our surroundings. A smile of pure contentment adorned my face.
Artemy’s eyes widened, and he instinctively pressed a hand against his chest, as if struggling to catch his breath. I closed my eyes, surrendering myself to the music, and continued to play. The joy that filled my heart resonated in every swift stroke of the keys.
This was what I had longed for, a sense of peace and tranquility. In that moment, happiness enveloped my entire being, and I found solace in the harmonious sanctuary created by the piano’s melody.
***
Artemy
The piano had remained untouched ever since my mother’s passing. It held a deep significance, as it belonged to her.
Inside me, a profound sorrow lingered, causing my heart to ache relentlessly.
In the presence of Rebecca, an unexpected source of solace, the words spilled out of my mouth without warning.
With the first notes of the melody, a surge of piercing pain coursed through my heart, prompting me to instinctively place a hand over my chest, applying pressure.
It had been twenty-two long years since I last heard the piano being played, and that very same melody hadn’t reached my ears in just as long.
Rebecca opened her eyes, meeting my gaze directly. Despite her continuous smile, she closed her eyes once more, completely engrossed in the music. Serenity adorned her face, and her connection to the world around her seemed to vanish. A faint smile lingered on her lips.
She appeared content and at peace.
As I listened intently, the pain that had burdened my heart gradually lessened. It remained, yet I could finally take a breath. The tension in my muscles eased, and my heart skipped a beat as I brought a trembling hand to my face.
I closed my eyes, and the sensation of dampness on my weary cheek became apparent. I was shedding tears, a solitary droplet. The music flowed on, and I swiftly brushed the tear away.
“Mommy, can you please play for me?” I pleaded with wide-eyed innocence.
Her laughter filled the room as she gently tugged at my hand, leading me towards the grand piano. “Of course, my sweet baby,” she replied, her voice brimming with warmth. She settled herself on the bench and lifted me onto her lap, nestling me close. Tenderly, she planted a soft kiss on my cheek before turning her attention to the instrument before us. With delicate grace, her fingers brushed the ivory keys, eliciting a soft melody that danced in the air.
As the music enveloped us, I melted into her embrace, a sense of tranquility washing over me. Every note was a lullaby, soothing my tired soul. The gentle sway of her body and the familiar tune wrapped around me like a warm blanket, lulling me into a state of peaceful surrender.
Time seemed to lose its grip on us as I slowly succumbed to the drowsiness that always accompanied our piano sessions. In those precious moments, there was only Mommy, me, and the enchanting music that filled the room.
It was our cherished ritual, the highlight of my day-the intimate bond between a mother and child, forged through the language of melodies and the shared love for the piano.
I closed my eyes, allowing the memory to wash over me. It still stung, but this time, my heart didn’t constrict in the same agonizing pain as before. It was as if a weight had been lifted, and I could finally breathe without the sensation of countless sharp knives slicing through me.
With my eyes shut tight, I surrendered to the soothing sounds of Rebecca’s melodies. One song seamlessly flowed into another, and then she began to hum. The delicate notes filled the air, reaching deep into my soul.
Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and fixated on her. Rebecca stood there, lost in the music, her eyes closed and body swaying gently to the rhythm. A bittersweet ache twisted in my stomach, and my heart clenched at the sight before me.
Her ebony tresses cascaded down her shoulders in luscious waves, while her rosy cheeks flushed with the intensity of her performance. Clad in a flowing white dress, she embodied an ethereal presence. In that moment, only one thought echoed through my mind-a distant memory from my father, shared long ago. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought, but my hands involuntarily clenched into tight fists. A dull throb pulsed through my fingers, but it wasn’t enough to break the spell she had cast upon me. My gaze remained locked on Rebecca, unable to tear myself away.
As the soft, gentle, and enchanting music continued to weave its way around us, cocooning us in its tranquil melody, one word consumed my thoughts-Rebecca. She was like a celestial being, an angel gracing the earth with her presence.
***
[NONA]
Restless and unable to sleep, my thoughts were consumed by Celia on that particular night. Although my eyes were shut, they fluttered open upon hearing a melodious sound drifting through the air. Confusion etched my forehead as I swiftly sat upright, my attention drawn to the source of the enchanting music. To my astonishment, it emanated from the sitting room, where the piano resided.
Puzzled by this unexpected occurrence, I pondered how it could be possible. The room was strictly off-limits to everyone except Artemy himself. Who could be playing? Compelled by curiosity, I embarked on a journey toward the hauntingly beautiful melody that grew stronger as I approached.
The piano had remained untouched since Celia’s passing, as Damian and Artemy had forbidden anyone from playing it. However, as the door swung open, I leaned against the wall and peeked inside, my breath catching in my throat. There, sitting on the couch, was Artemy, his gaze fixated intently upon the piano. Yet, it was his expression that left me awestruck-completely mesmerized by what he beheld.
Inching closer, I could no longer contain the gasp that threatened to escape, pressing my hand against my mouth. Rebecca, her eyes closed in deep concentration, played the piano with grace, a gentle smile adorning her face. The scene before me transfixed my gaze, as both of them seemed wholly captivated. Rebecca lost herself in the music while Artemy was lost in her.
Tears welled in my eyes, and a soft sob escaped me as I observed this poignant sight. It was a moment of pure beauty. Gradually stepping away from the doorway, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. This was the moment I had longed for-the assurance that he would find solace.
“He is going to be okay,” I whispered softly, casting my gaze heavenward. The words barely left my lips before tears cascaded down my cheeks, blurring my vision. “Rest in peace now, Maria. Your beloved son has found his angel.”