Secrets in the Spotlight

The beginning

As I climbed into the taxi, I couldn't help but feel a small sense of annoyance.

Dad had promised to drop me off at the piano tutor's house, but, as always, work came first. Being a psychiatrist, he never seemed to have time for anything else.

Mum wasn't an option either, given her lack of a driver's license, so a taxi was my only choice.

As we pulled out of the driveway, I glanced back at my younger sisters, Victoria and Serena, playing in front of the house on the new swings. Victoria's face was lit up with joy, her laughter ringing out as she kicked her legs high into the air. Serena was more reserved, reclining lazily on her swing, a look of contentment on her face as she watched the clouds drift by.

The ride was short, the city blurring by outside the window.

We soon arrived at the piano tutor's house. From the outside, it looked modest—small but well-kept, with a tidy garden lining the walkway.

The exterior was simple, with light-colored walls and large windows that hinted at a modern, welcoming interior. I paid the driver, stepped out of the taxi, and approached the front door, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

The door opened before I had the chance to knock, and there he was, the piano tutor, his name is Kaidence. He greeted me with a warm, genuine smile that made me feel instantly at ease. "Hello," he said, his voice kind and reassuring. He stepped aside, holding the door open as I entered.

The inside of the house was just as I'd imagined—modern and neat, with sleek furniture and soft lighting. It was cozy but uncluttered, giving off an inviting and comfortable vibe.

As he shut the door behind me, I felt the gentle pressure of his palm on my back, guiding me toward the living room.

It was a small, simple gesture, but it sent a shiver down my spine. I found myself hyper-aware of his presence, of how close he was, the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin.

We walked down a short hallway into the living room, where a grand piano sat against one wall, its black surface gleaming in the soft light. The room was spacious yet intimate, with a large window overlooking a small garden outside. "Come on in," he said, his voice smooth and encouraging. "Make yourself comfortable."

I nodded, feeling a blend of excitement and nervous energy as I took a seat on the piano bench. The room, the piano, the tutor—it all felt like stepping into a different world, one filled with the promise of new beginnings and the thrill of the unknown.

As we settled in the living room, I noticed a tall mirror by the side of the piano, reflecting our images.

The tutor sat beside me, his appearance perfectly neat. His white button-up shirt was crisp, every line precisely pressed, and his black formal pants were immaculately creased. His polished look added to his aura of calm professionalism.

In the mirror, I saw myself in contrast: a casual black dress that flowed just above my knees, paired with silky tights and simple black flats. My outfit was comfortable, understated, yet it somehow felt appropriate in the warm, inviting space of his home.

The mirror captured us both, a subtle juxtaposition of his refined elegance and my casual simplicity, creating an unexpectedly harmonious scene.

"Im happy to see you." He remarked as he fiddled around with the piano keys. I felt a rush of awkwardness, I looked down at his fingers instead of his eyes as he spoke.

As we began the lesson, the tutor's approach remained warm and encouraging. His praise came frequently, and there was a sincerity to his tone that made me feel more at ease.