WP New Stories' One-Shot Story Contest

Entry 22: The Melody of Time

~A Week Before The Recital~

Kathrine Hartwell couldn't keep herself from smiling. She listened to her bestfriend Connor Walter's nonstop talking as they walked home, as always.

Even though she had a driver, she preferred to be walked home by him. She enjoyed his company, especially because he is her only true friend.

And for that reason, she fell for him. But she disregarded the feeling and stuck to her current relationship with him. She knew confessions would make their relationship falter.

She smiled again as Connor made a small joke. Although she wasn't really paying that much attention, just seeing him laugh was enough. She was also very much aware that Connor was trying to make her laugh.

She had ceased laughing ever since she was 12. In that age, her eyes had opened to reality. In that age, she understood life. In that age, she started to dislike her parents for ignoring her every time they arrive home from work. They would talk to her, but would only reply with simple "Oh"s, and "I see"s.

That was also the time when she was told about her grandmother's condition. She remembered how she fought her tears when she found out that the only person in her life that she had considered as a true parent had only limited time left in the world. She held on to the hope of Grandma Penny getting well again even until now, when she is 18. Grandma Penny had lasted, but things weren't looking good lately. All the more reason not to laugh and be happy, right?

"Hey Kath," Connor's voice cut her thoughts. "The recital's next week, right?"

Kathrine nodded. "Yeah."

"Aren't you nervous?" he asked. She opened her mouth to reply 'Not really' when he interrupted, "Well, I know you're a really talented pianist and violinist, but don't you musicians get a little stage fright on stage? I've been on every recital you had and you never looked nervous at all."

Kathrine kept a small smile before replying, "I don't really have a reason to be nervous."

He nodded. "Point."

"And I love music. It always succeeds to pull me away from reality and my hardships."

After what she just said, Connor looked her in the eye. She knew what he was most likely feeling.

"I'm okay, Connor. I don't need your pity. I'm fine," she said, forcing a smile. He was about to say something else when they realized they were already in front of the Hartwell mansion. "Well, that's all. Bye, Connor. Thank you for walking me home again." The young maiden quickly entered and gave him one final smile before leaving.

Connor stood outside the gate, watching her as she walked away. He combed his hair with one hand in a frustrated manner. His eyebrows furrowed as he breathed out a sigh, waved goodbye to the gate guard, and walked away.

~4 Days Before the Recital~

Kathrine flipped through her recital pieces, deciding which one to practice next. Just then, she heard a knock on her door.

"Mistress, Lady Penelope was calling for you," the voice of a maid told her from the other side of the door.

"Tell her I'll be there as soon as possible, Leah."

"Yes Mistress." She heard Leah's quick strides gradually fade away. Suddenly getting a bad feeling, she quickly fixed her things, laid down the violin case beside her bedside drawer, and then rushed to her Grandma's side.

The girl opened the door to her Grandma's room and was met by the old woman's frail, smiling face. She took a nearby chair and sat beside the bed, while holding her grandma's hand.