Status Quo | ✓

-28-

Well, we made it for my physio appointment but I was dead tired.

Leon drove me to school thereafter. I had been absent from school for too long to be able to catch up and complete this semester. Moreover, my physical condition had proven that I'm not suited to be playing the cello now. Those fine movements that once felt so easy to execute had presented itself as a challenge now.

With a heavy heart, I dragged myself to the administration office to apply for a leave of absence from school. I stood on the other side of the counter as I passed the form unwillingly to Mrs Smith, the admin lady.

"Ms Anderson, I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to you. I wish you a speedy recovery," Mrs Smith's mouth pulled into a slight frown as she looked at me with sympathy-filled eyes.

I shrugged slightly, still not used to everyone's reaction over my mishap. Regardless, deep-down I understood that they had no idea how to react to it except to give me their sympathy.

"Thank you, Mrs Smith," I muttered, clasping my hands together behind the counter so that she doesn't see my unease.

I left the administration office and walked towards the school's main entrance. On my way, I paused several times and looked longingly at the seminar rooms and practice studios. I had been playing the cello since I was six, and now I felt extremely empty and sad without it.

-

Once I returned to Leon's apartment, he ran off for a project meeting. Using whatever strength I have, I lugged the cello into the living room. I positioned it between my knees and placed my fingers on the fingerboard. The other hand rested the bow on top of it, and when I pulled, an ear-piercing screech sounded. The dejection tore through my heart but I refused to give up. Biting down on my lower lip, I continued to practice, believing that I would be able to find back my momentum one day.

Then, the doorbell rang and I gently place the cello back on the floor. I reached for my crutches and limped my way to the door. I stuck my eye towards the peephole and saw that it was the mailman, so I opened the door.

"Ms Anderson?" the mailman checked. "I was told that you have directed all your mails to this address."

"Yes, it's me," I nodded and pointed to the envelope in his hands. "That must be mine?"

"Yes, could you please sign here?" The mailman handed me a card from his pocket and a pen.

"Alright, thank you." I took the pen and signed on the card before passing it back to him. I took the envelope and smiled at him.

"Have a pleasant day," he returned the smile.

"You too," I said, before closing the door.

Flipping the envelope over, I realised that it was an official document from the stamp on the top right corner. I stared at the envelope and my heart started racing. Without opening it, I could already expect what it was meant for.