Across the Lake

Chapter 7: The Music Within

The next day, I found myself looking for ways to cope with the emotions that still lingered from the news of my dad. Playing guitar had always meant a lot to him, and now, it felt like my destiny to carry that torch. I set a goal for myself: to learn a new song every day, using the guitar as my way of dealing with everything. I couldn't bring myself to go outside; the thought of seeing other families having fun only made the tears rise to the surface.

Claire came by from time to time, checking in on me like she always did. My mom, on the other hand, paced the house anxiously, her movements quick and restless. I wanted to be like Claire, strong enough to take tough news without falling apart. But the truth was, it was harder than I could have imagined. A familiar anxiety crept in again, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time. I kept telling myself that if I could be the guitar player I was destined to be, my dad would be proud.

I thought about college for a while, remembering when I used to be a great guitar player back in high school. People admired my skills, though I never saw it that way. I played every day, even when I doubted myself, even when I thought I wasn't good enough. But when I moved here, something shifted. I finally started seeing myself through other people's eyes, and it was time to step into who I was always meant to be.

I grabbed my guitar and walked outside, sitting on a chair near the lake. The sound of the water lapping against the shore was soothing as I strummed without a particular thought in mind. It was just me, the guitar, and the lake. I had to face the truth of the situation, no matter how hard it was.

Eventually, Claire came outside, standing quietly next to me with her arms crossed, staring up at the sky. She didn't say anything, but I could feel her presence. She was just there, listening, supporting me without words. I smiled as I played, knowing that no matter what happened, I was doing the right thing.

Before long, more people gathered around to listen. I hadn't even noticed them until I turned around and saw the small crowd that had formed. Their amazed expressions warmed my heart. I hadn't realized how well I was playing until now. Something inside me clicked, and I played with more confidence, with more purpose.

I played for hours, until the night sky was dotted with stars and the clock neared midnight. I only stopped when I knew I had nothing more to give. As I lowered my guitar, the crowd burst into applause. Even Claire, standing among them, grinned with tears in her eyes. It was the first time I'd ever seen her cry out of happiness for me.

I beamed from ear to ear, feeling a rush of emotions, I couldn't contain. I stood up to thank everyone for their support, but they slowly trickled off, heading back to their own lives. Claire stayed behind, walking up to me with open arms.

"You did amazing," she said, pulling me into a tight hug.

"I told you; your skills are something else," she added, her voice thick with emotion. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes too. The praise felt like a weight had lifted from my chest.

"It means a lot to me," I whispered, my voice breaking as I hugged her back. We held each other for a little longer before pulling apart and heading inside.

Inside, the house was just as tense as it had been before. My mom was still pacing around, her steps quick and erratic. Claire looked at me with a small, reassuring smile before telling me to head to my room while she stayed to comfort Mom for the night. I nodded, feeling drained but oddly lighter than before.

I went to my room, carefully placing my guitar back in its case. As I did, a wave of emotion hit me. My dad would never get to hear me play live, and the thought was almost unbearable. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to accept that reality. But deep down, I knew he would be proud of me, even if he couldn't be there to witness it.

I lay down, my mind racing as I thought about everything that had happened. It felt surreal, like a fever dream. I had spent so much of my life doubting myself, but now, it seemed like I was finally starting to believe in who I was becoming. I smiled to myself, comforted by the fact that everyone who had witnessed me play was proud of me, especially Claire, who had always been there for me.

In that moment, I knew what I needed to do. I couldn't let anything stop me on my path to becoming the guitarist I had always dreamed of being. It was time to embrace my future and make my parents proud, especially my dad.

This was my journey now.