Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity
Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity — Story of the Day
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Lily rested by the piano, her fingertips gently touching random keys, creating soft, unconnected sounds throughout the room. She exhaled deeply, her thoughts swirling with anxiety.
The symphony had been her passion, her aspiration since childhood. Currently, that aspiration had vanished, along with her feeling of stability. The conductor had let her go thoughtlessly, selecting his own daughter instead.
She maintained a tiny position instructing music to several grown-ups, but it scarcely paid her apartment fee, never mind groceries and additional costs. Annoyed, she placed her hands firmly on the keys and started to play one of her beloved tunes, channeling her feelings into each sound.
The melody began quietly, but as impressions of her predicament filled her mind, she played more intensely, her fingers hitting the keys with growing intensity.
After the piece finished, the space fell into a deep, significant quietness, as if soaking up her sorrow. Her hands fell weakly to her thighs, and she slowly shut the piano cover, leaning her brow against it. The quiet was soothing, yet it didn't fix her dilemma.
During subsequent weeks, she examined job openings, submitting applications to anything somewhat connected to music. At last, she discovered a role as a music instructor at a school. She didn't dislike teaching—she greatly admired educators.
Still, a section of her yearned to produce her own music, to express her heart through her craft, not simply direct others in theirs.
Yet with no alternative choices, she took the position. The school was happy to hire her; they had been looking for someone for several months.
The initial days proved difficult. She wasn't accustomed to working with children, and they appeared uninterested in her calm, mild teaching approach. She attempted everything—she performed music from famous films, popular songs—any method to capture their attention. But nothing appeared successful.
Then, one day after lessons, as she strolled along the corridor, a gentle tune grabbed her notice. She traced the sound to her classroom, glancing inside. There, at the piano, sat Jay, one of her pupils. He was performing the exact piece she had practiced earlier that day.
"Do you know how to play piano?" Lily inquired, entering the room.
Jay jumped, alarmed. "No... not really. I haven't played much," he whispered, gazing at the keys.
"But you were just performing," Lily responded, a caring smile crossing her face. "And quite skillfully, particularly for someone your age."
Jay shrugged. "I simply recalled how you played it."
Lily stared, astonished. She understood that even numerous trained musicians couldn't perform from memory like that. "Would you like to learn?" she asked.
Jay's eyes lit up, and a small smile formed on his face. "Really? You would teach me?"
Lily gestured yes. However, she observed his expression sink as swiftly as his enthusiasm had appeared. "What's troubling you?"
"I... I can't. I mean, thank you, but... we don't have enough money," he stated softly.
Lily examined him thoughtfully. She remembered noting that he seldom dined with the other children. He tended to stay alone. "You shouldn't worry about payment," she said kindly. "I'll instruct you without charge."
Jay's face brightened with an enormous smile, and unexpectedly, he wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you!" he exclaimed.
During the following weeks, Lily and Jay gathered in the vacant classroom after school, their mutual eagerness filling the space. Lily watched with wonder as Jay performed each new composition she demonstrated, his fingers gliding across the keys with remarkable fluency.
Every tone, every harmony, every melody appeared to flow effortlessly from him. She educated him about music notation, directing him through each symbol and beat.
Yet each occasion, she wondered—did he actually require these lessons? His skill was unrefined, intuitive, as if he was destined to play.
As Jay worked on a fresh melody one day, Lily grinned and moved closer. "Have you ever considered performing?" she questioned.
Jay glanced up, surprised. "Performing? Like, in front of an audience?"
"Yes!" Lily answered. "The school festival is approaching. You could play a piece there. You're skilled enough."
Jay paused, looking at the piano keys. "I'm not certain... What if I make mistakes?"
"You won't," Lily said warmly. "You're prepared, and I'll assist you. We'll select a song together, something you feel comfortable with. You could even choose the piece yourself."
Jay bit his lip, still uncertain, but slowly nodded. "Okay, I suppose I could attempt it."
