Fallen Angel

Six

She never talked much because she preferred to listen. The chatter of the hallways became white noise that kept her grounded. The music of artists she never met gave her strength.

She was sitting outside during a break in the day when a sound drifted to her ears. It caught her interest in the back of her mind until it was all she could hear.

It was the melody of a piano. The tune sounded light but it felt nostalgic. It caused her heart to ache as she stood up and followed the sound.

It was like a siren song, drawing her closer and she was helpless to fight it. She followed it through the winding halls until she found the source.

Sitting there alone was the boy. His fingers gently flying over the keys, creating a melody he released into the air. He didn't stop though he felt her near. He continued his song until he played the final note.

When it finally faded out into silence he turned around. "Hi."

"What song was that?" She asked. "I feel like I heard it before."

"It doesn't have a name yet. It's a song I created," he said.

He moved over on the bench and she sat next to him. She brushed her fingers lightly over the keys. They felt cool to the touch.

"Do you play?" He asked. She shook her head. "Well I can show you the melody. It's not hard."

He played three notes at a time then had her try. Slowly like stringing beads he showed her the notes until she had the melody down.

Awkwardly, carefully she began to play it on her own. He smiled in encouragement. This time when she played it again, he played along. Their fingers danced, each playing its own part that together made a beautiful song.

"Music is incredible," she said quietly. "It can make you feel so much."

She didn't know how she could feel both happy and sad, with a longing in her heart. It was almost a bittersweet feeling.

"It's a song about happier days," he said.

The bell rang and the white noise of chatter and feet walking filled the hallways. The boy stood up and helped her from the bench. They went their separate ways again, but inside her head she still heard the unnamed song playing.