The Lucky Paw

Chapter 25

Katy visited her mother every day, enduring the antiseptic smell of the hospital in order to chat with Chandler as long as visiting hours would permit.

Chandler finished her last session of chemo four weeks before Katy's big concert. Therefore, her mother was there to hear Katy sing at the huge celebration of the Spring Festival.

It was held outside in a cleared-off, grassy field. Wildflowers brightened the scenery considerably, and big, puffy white clouds floated overhead like giant cotton candies. Katy took a deep breath. It was the perfect setting for her to sing to both of her mothers.

Katy accepted the wireless microphone from Mr. Haley. She rubbed the cold metal against her palms, willing them to stop shaking. As Mr. Haley and the principal introduced her, Katy took several deep breaths, trying to still the racing of her heart.

The songs she was about to sing were much more than just a performance. She needed to let the audience feel the anguish of her journey. She needed to make them understand that love is a forever thing. She needed to tell them, in her own way, to never lose hope. She needed to teach them the lessons she'd learned herself.

Katy took the stage, she looked out at Chandler, sitting in her chair. She looked healthy, strong, but most importantly, happy.

My mother, Katy thought contentedly.

A calm serenity washed over Katy and her nerves began to dissipate. Chandler met Katy's gaze and blew her a kiss. She smiled, knowing she was ready to begin singing.

She began to sing. Her first song was Love Me Like You Mean It. The fun, bouncy beat filled the field, and soon the audience was clapping along.

But what most impressed everyone, even Katy, was not the song she knew well. It was The Climb. The beautiful, soft, serene voice that flowed out of Katy's mouth was not the one she had practiced the song with. It was better.

The voice seemed to come from deep inside of her. It told of the hope, desperation, sorrow, embarrassment, and anger that had thrown itself into Katy's life.

It told a story of it's own, an autobiography of the hardships come to her in her life.

The voice drifted over the dark room, enveloped the audience, and left them with inspiration and hope. The finale bloomed like a rose as Katy lifted into her last time singing the chorus.

When she finished her song, the voice died away, retreating into her soul, and leaving the audience with full hearts and stinging hands as they applauded with all their might.