Second chances Book 5/6

Chapter 7

Kate looks at Abigail who is listening to the song again, which plays on loop. On a notebook, she writes what she imagines, the images come easily. Kate lets her do it, reads what she writes down, nods her head often. Abigail then explains to him.

"You see, I stay in black and white, it's deeper. A choreography of fights, rapid movements that slow down more and more as the character encounters resistance, the next image, he is in the water, like in a lake, the movements are more and more difficult. It goes with the rhythm which slows down, the bass of the guitar. Then the character comes out of the water, it's dripping everywhere, he looks away, towards the horizon, the wind blows, leaves grow and he moves away in the opposite direction, another struggle, he closes his eyes, a tear falls.

— It's beautiful, Abby, I assure you it's beautiful. Say, do you want to do me a favor?

— Uh... yes, of course."

Kate settles behind her piano, closes her eyes, then begins to play, without singing, just music.

"It's beautiful, Kate," says Abigail, wiping away a tear. "Do you want to make a whole album in this style? It will be a monument!

— For a while I've had many ideas, melodies here and there, texts, but I had never really considered them for a complete album.

— I don't know what to say, Kate, I'm not an artist, I don't know much. But I really like your song. This melody is beautiful. You know, if you add a bit of saxophone, you'll have something even more moving.

— Sax?

— Yes, you know how during your concert in London, on Please don't, there was a saxophone solo. It wasn't in the album version, just that night at your concert.

— Oh My God! How do you know that? It was not a filmed concert, there is almost nothing on the internet, apart from bits filmed by the public.

— Oh, Kate, I do remember. I was there, at the Hammersmith Odeon in London," smiles Abigail.

Kate is surprised, a little shocked even to meet someone who saw her in concert on her European tour.

"Did you come to England to see me in concert? So, you're a real fan, tell me," asks Kate, squinting, scrutinizing Abigail, "I know I have a few fans who follow me, but... London! And why the one in London for that matter?

— Actually, I was living in London, I've only been in the United States for two years, when I joined my sister.

— Oh okay, it's a huge coincidence anyway. Yes, it's true that the saxophone solo was great, it was completely improvised. You're right, it will add tone and depth. Thank you, Abby. I will be obliged to put your name on the album in view of your participation on two titles.

— I prefer to remain anonymous, if you don't mind, I'm not doing this for money, I'm happy to be here. I just listened to a Kate song premiere, saw you and listened to you play the piano for me. I'm more than satisfied. It's like having a private concert.

— I'm at your command, Abigail. Anyone wants to get a percentage of royalties, but you don't.

— For me, inner wealth is more important than pecuniary wealth. As long as I have what it takes to live, I don't need more. I prefer to be surrounded by the people I love.

— You're right. True friends are rare and precious. You are richer than me, Abigail, I saw that earlier.

— I'm a friend, if you want me in your life. My house is small, but my heart is huge. I have room for you, if you accept," smiled Abigail.

"Abby, I agree. I'm hungry, aren't you? What do you want to eat?

— Me, you know, I nibble.

— No lying between friends, don't be embarrassed or nervous with me, Abby.