The Sound Of Your Heart

Prologue

"The sound of your heart is like music to my ears."

Present Day
Twenty-Second of December, New York City

TYLER

As I made my way through the crowd, the dazzling lights of Times Square illuminated the night sky, creating a sense of vibrant energy that electrified the atmosphere. The sound of laughter, chatter, and street performances filled the air, transforming the hectic scene into a symphony of urban life.
 
I couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of it all. The towering billboards displaying advertisements for Broadway shows, restaurants, and fashion brands seemed to compete for attention, each vying for a solo in this incredible urban orchestra. People from all walks of life brushed past me, their hurried strides and purposeful gazes a testament to the relentless beat of the city they call home.
 
As the chilly winter wind found its way through the gaps in my coat, I shivered and quickened my pace. I thought of finding refuge in a nearby café I owned to warm my freezing fingers, which felt as stiff as icicles. With determination, I reached the other side of the street just as the traffic light flicked from red to green, allowing a surge of yellow taxis to fill the road once more.
 
I made my way towards my café, the smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air as it always did. From a distance, I saw my café door swing open, and a familiar figure came out of the shop, causing me to stop in my tracks. He wore a blue beanie, a familiar red scarf around his neck, and a keyboard case hung on his back. It was him—the boy I used to love in high school.
 
Time seemed to slow down as I watched him from a distance. The snowflakes gracefully cast their ethereal dance upon his dark hair. Each gust of wind painted his pale skin with a delicate dusting of snow, enhancing the rosy tint on his cheeks and making his lips resemble soft rose petals. His hazel eyes, like shards of autumn leaves, never mesmerized me.
 
His gaze scanned the surroundings, oblivious to my presence. My heart pounded, racing like it yearned to break free from my chest. Without hesitation, my body moved independently, following him as he navigated through the crowd.
 
The city's rhythm pulsed around us, but my senses were fixated on him alone. In this bustling chaos, I was locked in a timeless bubble where only he and I existed. I maneuvered through the crowd, always maintaining a safe distance, my eyes never leaving his figure.

Later on, I found myself following Miles towards the subway. Intrigued by his mysterious actions, I continued to follow him. We reached a bustling square near the subway station, where people hurriedly passed by, their faces plagued with the worries and stresses of daily life. Miles stopped before a young boy, no older than seven, who sat on the cold ground, clutching a tattered guitar.
 
With a warm smile, Miles produced a cup of steaming hot chocolate and a delicate croissant from his pouch. Handing them to the boy, he ruffled his dirty blonde curly hair affectionately. The boy's eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as he eagerly accepted the unexpected treat.
 
Curiosity consumed me as I watched the interaction between Miles and the young musician. I wondered about the connection between them and why Miles carried a keyboard. Intrigued, I decided to linger a little longer to unravel the mystery.
 
With the hot chocolate warming his hands and the croissant now devoured, the little boy positioned himself next to Miles.
 
After Miles prepared his keyboard, I saw him remove his beanie, revealing his dark hair, and place it in front of them. He hovered his fingers over the keys, adjusting his position as the sounds of bustling commuters filled the train station. He glanced to his side, where a little boy stood before a makeshift stage with a microphone and a guitar hanging on his tiny shoulders. The boy's eyes sparkled with determination despite the indifferent gazes of the busy travelers passing by.
 
As the station's announcement echoed through the speakers, signaling the imminent arrival of a train, Miles decided to take a chance on this young musician. He nodded to the young boy, who took it as a sign to start their performance. The crowd's chatter slowly faded as the boy strummed his guitar, his voice filling the station with a soulful melody.
 
Miles began to accompany the little boy on the keyboard, weaving his harmonies to amplify his talent. The commuters paused in their tracks, captivated by the unexpected duet. They formed a small circle around the duo, and their expressions transformed from stress and haste to joy and wonder. The diverse crowd became united in their appreciation of the music, momentarily breaking the monotony of their daily routines.
 
As the song reached its crescendo, the little boy's and Miles' voices soared, pure and raw. The simplicity of the melody and the depth of their emotions resonated with the listeners. The applause erupted, filling the air with a thunderous symphony of appreciation. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them bask in the warmth of their admiration.
 
The next train arrived, but the passengers chose to remain, unwilling to abandon this extraordinary moment created by the young musician and his newfound mentor. Miles and the little boy continued to play, their music evoking a sense of hope and unity, transcending the platform they stood on.