Recital

Friends fidget, as do fellow musicians throughout the auditorium anticipating their moment in the sun. To be truthful, they all wish it were done. Notably nervous, nauseous, She approaches the bench. Notes are committed to memory, but... just in case, she places a copy on the piano. Mom's seated down front with grandma both beaming with delight. One wipes her forehead; one makes the sign of the cross. Dad's in the balcony front row with her wiggly brother and giggly step-sister. Smiling, grinning, they want to wave; Dad's look lets them know better. Focused now, she begins her original composition - Sonlight Sonata. For five minutes of sheer delight, she leaves anxiety with the audience.