Nostalgy

▶ Solfeggietto ; C.P.E. Bach

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▶ Solfeggietto ; C.P.E. Bach

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Saturday, June 19 - 2 0 1 6

"Promise me, Alicia. Promise me that you'll play no matter what."

His dark eyes bored into hers, and Little Alicia suddenly felt apprehensive. "Okay," Little Alicia promised, "but are you okay, Mr. Owen? You look like you need to rest."

Little Alicia cast a worried glance at her tutor who shook his head then smiled at her reassuringly. Little Alicia was not reassured at all, because Mr. Owen smiled like it hurt. She jumped up to feel his forehead, which was burning hot.

"I'm fine, Alicia. Go practice that last piece. I'll be right back alright?"

Little Alicia nodded, did a pinky-promise, then started to play. Mr. Owen wobbled out the room, wiping the sweat on his face. Little Alicia played although her arms start to hurt; she played although it was nighttime and she was scared of the dark, she played although her vision was blurred by the fat tears rolling down her cheeks. She played and played and played, waiting for her teacher to come back inside the room to listen to her.

But Mr. Owen never came back.

I jolted upright, clutching my duvet as tightly as possible. Strands of hair were sticking to my wet face, and the last tear fell down. I quickly wiped it away and checked the time. Cursing to myself, I scrambled out of bed, running towards the bathroom. After taking a cold shower to clear my mind, I hastily slid on a dress then descended the stairs.

Laughter erupted from the kitchen, and I guess Lily's already here because her unusual high-pitched giggle seemed to overlap her companion's.

"Omg! You're so hilarious, Kai!"

Wait. What? Kai? I inched towards the doorway, careful not to be seen. I caught a glimpse of Lily blushing, and Kai laughing. What on Earth is going on? Maybe I shouldn't intrude... They seem to be going on so well.

As I slowly backed away, Lily caught my eye then smiled, waving enthusiastically. "Alicia! You're awake! Kai, here was just telling me about his friends in Japan."

Phhsst, yeah right. I forced a smile at her, refusing to look at Kai who was suddenly solemn again. I went towards the fridge, taking out a carton of milk before pouring myself a cup.

I glanced thoughtfully at Lily and then at Kai, who was leaning against the counter, observing me as if I was a lab rat. I brushed his stare away then grinned at Lily. "Have you guys eaten anything?" I stuffed a cookie into my mouth.

"Oh, I already had breakfast at home." Lily replied, sliding into a seat.

"How about you Kai?" I asked innocently.

"I had mine too."

"Oh good." I stuffed another cookie into my mouth.