By Simon Darvell
In Alfred’s sunlit studio apartment, Joanna lowered her fingers to the keys and began to play Chopin’s sonata.
As always, Alfred sat with his elbows on the table, his fists against his temples, eyes clamped shut in concentration.
Joanna’s performance was moving, note perfect and, for the first time, error free.
“Well, Alfred?” she asked after composing herself, her heart yearning for kindness.
Silence.
She peeked up at her tutor of seven years, during which they’d shared everything.
Alfred was slumped in his chair. His frail body heaved as tears rolled down his sagging jowls and dropped onto his arthritic knuckles.
Beautifully written and very moving. Approval and praise come in different guises.
So well constructed. Lovely. Thank you for this moving picture.
I liked the way this was written. It is amazing what an economy with words can do.
Nice story from beginning to end. My fave part was “Her heart yearning for kindness.”