When All Is Said And Done

Chapter Seven: The Sound Of Winter

Days passed in a gentle blur for Frida as she settled into her stay in Mallorca. The island's tranquil beauty was a balm to her troubled soul, but even the picturesque views and soothing rhythms of island life couldn't fully quiet her mind. María, ever the attentive friend, noticed the shadows that lingered in Frida's eyes, the moments when she would stare off into the distance, lost in thought.

María did her best to keep Frida busy. They spent hours caring for the cats at the sanctuary, organizing charity events, and exploring hidden coves and lush gardens around the island. Despite María's efforts, Frida's thoughts constantly drifted back to Benny and their last meeting in Stockholm.

One afternoon, as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the island, María decided it was time to raise a subject she had been holding back. They were sitting in the garden, a teapot and two cups between them, surrounded by the playful antics of the sanctuary's cats.

"Frida, my darling" María began, her tone gentle but firm, "there's something I need to talk to you about."

Frida looked up, her elegant red hair blowing in the gentle evening breeze, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What is it?"

María took a nervous breath. She had wanted to bring the topic to Frida for a little while now. She saw a moment of quiet tranqiulity as the perfect moment. "I suppose while you've been exploring the city, you heard about the big winter concert that's happening here soon? It's a huge event, with stars from all over the world coming to perform. We hold the concert on the island every year! This year some of the proceeds are going to my charity. I was wondering if you had seen or heard about it on your stay so far?"

Frida nodded vaguely. "I think I saw a poster for that when I was walking near to the beach a few days ago. Why do you ask? Are you planning to go?"

"I'm very close to one of the organizers and they have been trying to get in touch with you. Because the charity is involved with the concert this year, they reached out to me. They desperately want you to perform," María explained, watching Frida's reaction closely, examining her every expression with a nervous hesitation.

Frida's eyes widened in surprise. Before she responded, a smile flickered across her lips and she let out a small, cheeky laugh. "Me? But I haven't performed in so long, María. Yeeeears! I'm not sure if I'm ready for something like that."

María leaned forward in her chair, her expression earnest. "Frida, you have an incredible gift, a talent that you can't put to waste. The world deserves to hear your voice again. And maybe this is exactly what you need right now, to reconnect with that part of yourself. Isn't music a part of your DNA? It's been your entire life so far. Don't you think that reconnecting with that passion will help you right now?"

Frida sighed, her mind was now a swirling mess with doubt. "I don't know, María. Honestly? I don't know if I'm up to it. After everything with Benny recently, so many feelings have resurfaced for me. I almost felt like I was back in that time when yes, music was my everything, but so was HE. I'm not sure if I can face an audience again. What if I'm not good enough anymore? What if I lost it after a couple of years away?"

María reached out, taking Frida's warm hand in hers. "I believe in you, Frida. And I think deep down, you know you can do this. You just need to find that confidence again! Are you going to let any man, especially Benny, prevent you from taking an opportunity to do something you love? If you want to say no to the concert, that's your choice... but never let it be because of a man."

Frida felt a twinge of hope, but it was quickly overshadowed by her fears that crept up on her once again. "I appreciate your faith in me, María. I really do. But this is a big step, and I don't know if I'm ready to take it."