Satellite Heart

Chapter 1 | Light Years

Gravenhurst, Canada - Spring 2020

My hands, hesitant at first, are now gliding over the keys of our family piano, my brain slowly getting reacquainted with them. My breathing is steady, I try to focus all my energy on my fingertips and the way they interact with the different shapes and dents time has curved into the keys over the years. I have never been the most coordinated it is true, but my hearing is definitely my most fine-tuned sense.

"It's been a while," I hear a warm voice say behind me. I was so engrossed in playing that I had not noticed my dad entering the living room.

It is true, it has been forever. I haven't lived at home for at least five years - since I had left to university - and if it weren't for our current circumstances, I probably would have never moved back.

Without turning my head, I reply, "You bet! I'll probably end up giving up in a few days anyway. I don't believe this whole lockdown situation will last long enough for me to pull a Ryan Gosling," I huff, my hands still on the overused keys.

"What do you mean? You've always been so good at it, nothing a bit of patience and time cannot do."

I take a deep breath before I reply "You know, Ryan Gosling... La La Land? He learned how to play the piano just for the part... Anyway!" I slightly turn my head to my left shoulder, where my dad's hand is now resting. A comforting touch, slowly bringing me back to the days we would play the piano together any chance we could. If there was one thing I most definitely missed when I moved away, it was spending quality time with my dad. He is possibly the kindest soul there is out there, unmatched by anybody else I have ever met.

He chuckles before removing his hand, his voice a bit clearer this time.

"I put the kettle on, would you like some tea before your Zoom call with the professor?" I eagerly nod my head and a few seconds later, he leaves the room again, the sound of his steps growing fainter.

Stephanie Clarke is the specialist in my subject, she studies human behaviour and the evolution of the way we interact. I was lucky enough to meet her once during a symposium last autumn, and to say that I admire her would be an understatement.

The call. The interview with Dr. Clarke from the University of Bristol was meant to happen any minute now. If it weren't for the time difference, I don't believe you would ever see me up and awake at 7 am. I was never a morning person and always made sure that most of my meetings happened at 10am at the earliest. Although my routine is not complex, I am one of those masochists adept at getting up at the 15th alarm. I swear I am not insane though...

You're weird, but in a good way, I can still hear my slightly high-pitch voiced best friend say about me. Elenor (that we all affectionally nickname Lennie) is one of my two housemates back in Toronto. Her petite frame leads people to believe that she is fragile, but it is quite the opposite. She has been my rock throughout our college years and I would not have it any other way. It was truly a blessing to meet her and Xander. Without them, higher education would have undoubtedly been bland and boring.

"Siri, when is my meeting with Dr. Clarke?"

Within seconds my phone lets me know that I have about 5 minutes before the start of the call. I cautiously close the lid of the piano, before reaching for the bench and standing up. I planned ahead and already setup my laptop on the coffee table, allowing me enough time to relax and rehearse my questions in my head. Although my nerves are now starting to build up, I am mostly feeling lucky for having this opportunity to talk to her in the first place.

"There you go darling." I hear a small thump near me before my dad continues. "Watch out, it is still a bit hot. Are you going to be okay? Do you want me to stay near you?"