Covid Diaries: Love in the time of Covid

Day 5 - The Orchestra

"Mom, I'm going to my room to practice", Anna called downstairs.

"Ok honey, I'll let you know when lunch is ready", Anna's mom shouted back.

Carefully removing her violin from the case, Anna gingerly plucked a string. Pulling out her sheet of music, she took a seat and nestled the violin at her neck. She slowly began to play a song from Romeo and Juliet. Her performance was scheduled next month but she was well aware that with the reality of Covid-19, it would most likely be cancelled. She closed her eyes and imagined herself playing among the orchestra. She loved being part of the string quartet. After a year of playing together, the orchestra had become her family.

Anna, 17, played first violin in the orchestra. Alongside Anna, George played second violin. He had just entered college and was 20 years old. Together, Anna and George perfected their music with many hours of dedicated practice. Disappointed that they wouldn't have the chance to perform in front of an audience, both Anna and George had stopped practicing together.

Anna grabbed her cell and dialed George's number. George picked up after 2 rings, "hi Anna".

"Hi George, I'm trying to practice but I'm still hating the fact that we can't play this summer, we worked so hard!"

"I know, I was really looking forward to it", George replied thinking about his failed plan to ask Anna on a date at the end of the performance.

"Have you thought about what you're going to do with your time this summer?"

"To be honest, I'm planning on hitting the beach. Maybe you can join me and sit 2 arms length away from me?"

Anna laughed, "that definitely sounds like fun, I'm in!"  She hung up the phone and went downstairs for lunch.

"Who was that honey that you were chatting with?", mom questioned as she tossed the salad with dressing.

"It was George, we're trying to plan what to do with no performances this summer", said Anna in between forkfuls of pasta.

"I see, how old is George? Isn't he in college?", her mom asked trying not to sound too judgmental.

"I'm not sure, why does that matter? We're just hanging out", Anna quickly responded.

"Alright, you know I trust you with your judgement Anna."

"Yes mom", Anna put her dishes away and went upstairs. She laid down on her bed and thought about George. Were they just hanging out as friends? George was a very sweet guy and made many attempts to make her laugh during the short breaks at orchestra practice. She hadn't given it much thought at the time but she remembered George giving her a ride home one evening. She assumed he was being a good friend, though she lived in downtown Toronto and George lived in Markham.

After their call, George tried to not get too excited. Had he just asked Anna out on a date? It sounded like it, even though he hadn't explicitly set a date or time, she did say yes! He wondered how soon would be appropriate to give her another call and make plans. He thought he'd wait a week or so.

"Honey, the hospital called. Your grandfather is not doing well, they're keeping him a week to monitor."

Anna stayed silent. Her grandfather had gotten Covid last week, the doctor was unable to trace how he had caught the virus. Anna and her mother had stayed in isolation.

"Those hospital rooms are so cold and uncomfortable", her mom worried.

Anna thought of an idea that would please her grandfather. He loved watching her perform her violin.

"Mom, what do you think about putting on a performance for grandpa at the hospital?"

"That's a fabulous idea."

The next day as Anna thought about which piece of music to play, she realized that the only person she'd want playing alongside her was George. She sent him a text and he quickly responded, he was in!

For three nights, Anna and George practiced their music until the performance day arrived. "I'll ask his nurse Stacey to make sure your grandfather can see you on his phone", said mom. On Grandpa's signal, George and Anna began to play the Rome and Juliet. Her grandfather and Stacey looked on with big smiles and admiration in their eyes.

At the end of the performance, her grandfather applauded "that was beautiful! Thank you for sharing your music Anna and George, you've made my day."

As Anna hung up the phone, she sent a text to George. "Thank you for doing that. It means a lot to me and my family. I'm so happy we were able to perform Rome and Juliet, even if was for a small audience!"

George thought for awhile and replied in his text "I loved doing that for your family. Let's hit the beach on Friday."

Anna smiled knowing that her instincts were right. She felt more than friendship towards George and she heard it in the music when they played together.

"Sounds good George! I can't wait", Anna replied.