The Strings of a Violin

2. Kito

"I don't understand why you would sign me up for a job without telling me mom," I said annoyingly as she drove me to my new job.

"Don't talk to me that way Kito," she said scolding me, "The staff at the hospital thought that some of the patients would like to be able to talk to people their own age. One girl enjoys music and hasn't been outside in a month or two. They thought that maybe you would be able to brighten her day."

I sighed and leaned my head against the window. "So I'm supposed to play my violin for a mentally broken girl? If she cu-"

"That's enough Kito!" My mother exclaimed darting me a glare, "She's had a rough school experience. .  ."

As we continued the drive to the hospital, I realized that I would have to get to know the patients. What if they tried to attack me? Would I get the calm, almost normal people? What exactly was wrong with this girl?

"Kito, are you alright? You seemed spaced."

"I'm fine mom, just. . . Thinking."

"Alright, here are your papers and don't forget your violin case. I'll be here to pick you up at four thirty."

I took the papers from her hand and grabbed my violin case from the backseat. Kissing her cheek I got out of the car and waved before walking into the hospital lobby.

The receptionist smiled at me as I walked towards her. "Hi, I'm Kito Ramano. I'm supposed to start work here today."

"Ah, yes, welcome Mr. Ramano. You will be working with one patient this week. One of our nurses thought her patient could use your charm."

I scoff slightly.

"What's her name?"

"Mariya."

"No last name?"

"I'm afraid not, her parents sort of well. . ."

"Oh, I understand."

How could anyone disown their own child?

"Here is your badge and key card. Just go down the left corridor and then to your right and you'll be in the minor care unit. Miss Mariya's room is 212."

"Thank you, anything else?" I asked.

"No, but her nurses name is Ellie."

"Okay, thank you," I said already making my way down the hallway.

The lights were dim and it was very quiet surprisingly. I stopped at the door and swiped the keycard into the slot. It buzzed and opened.

I played the directions over and over in my head.

The next right.

Then I saw the room number 212. I opened the door and saw that the room was very plain. A window was open and the breeze blew a curtain. Mariya sat on the windowsill with a book on her thighs and earbuds in.

She must of been listening to music since she didn't hear me come in. She seemed at peace. I walked over to her and say my hand on her shoulder. She turned her head sharply and hit me with her book before taking off towards the call button.

I sat down my violin case and held my cheek.  "Wait, wait, please hear me out," I said looking at her pale blue eyes. "I was hired to play music here for some of the patients. Your nurse, Ellie, thought me playing my violin would help you in a way. You're Mariya, right?" I asked trying not to frighten her.

She nodded slowly.

"I'm Kito Ramano, nice to meet you."

Mariya didn't say anything back, all she did was wrap her shrug around her shoulders and sink down into her bed. She looked directly at me and motioned for me to sit down in her desk chair.