Ephemeral Suite

…Red.

The snow pours onto the stoplight, yet it remains… red.

No cars in sight—asphalt… white.

Before finally, the green light.

…

I pass through the open road.

I stand… on the other side.

Everything’s white.

And more so—quiet.

Just…

Hah—my vision blurs, but the stores really are vibrant.

It’s a shame how little people there are.

I… continue walking.

Eventually seeing a few people pass by.

I stop, and look at my phone.

Before continuing on right ahead.

…

I don’t really know why I’m even here.

Perhaps if I’d just…

…?

A grand piano?

I never knew there was—

I peer through the window…

It’s a cafe.

…Is it just for display or—?

But—

…I suppose it won’t hurt.

The bells chimed once I pushed the glass door.

Suddenly it’s warm.

A few people seated… but most importantly—

The piano.

It’s worn.

Dusty.

…How awful.

I lift the fallboard—seeing the black and yellowish keys.

I hope you know… that you can still be played.

“...Umm.” A tap to my shoulder.

I look over to see… someone I don’t know.

Her lips move as if to say something, before—she reaches for something in the corner.

…A cello.

I didn’t even notice.

I rest my fingers on the keys… just—almost pressing them down.

“I’d love to play… if that’s fine.” Her voice comes out low.

So I nod, and she exhales.

Her hands… trembling.

“...The Swan?” I ask.

She takes a deep breath, and nods.

Then I finally press the keys.

Of course, it’s somewhat out of tune.

…But you persisted well.

Although I made no mistakes—her playing was… ethereal.

…

You never really know… what someone can do.

How someone can feel… and—who someone can be.

I dare not look at her.

I dare not look around as the keys only grow heavier.

…How beautiful.

The notes soften as her bowing slowed.

I finally look at her.

Her eyes shut as she held the cello so carefully.

…

I feel strange.

Almost as if… I’ve been hearing this tune—all my life.

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath as I continue backing her performance.

…I’m not sure why I feel so—relieved.

Like… I never really thought I could play again.

But here I am, playing with someone I don’t know.

My hands aren’t stiffening.

There’s no glares from the crowd.

…Only music.

Again… her bow softened, before finally—it had to end.

I let go of the keys, and she does too.

Hah—I hold the fallboard.

Looking at the keys one final time, before gently leaving it closed.

I bow, so does she.

We leave the instruments right where they were.

She walks ahead of me, returning to a seat—her… friend smiling and softly clapping at her.

Then I look outside.

The snow became heavier.

I hold the door… but—

I look at her once more.

She looks back.

A small gentle smile on her face…

Then the door bell chimes as I step out.