“I didn’t want to cause you concern. You are an individual with your own life and issues.”
“You’re never a burden, Mom. Never. Over the years, so many people have enjoyed your music. All those Christmas gatherings, you remember? The school plays you participated in? You are a treasure rather than a bother.”
“Pay attention; I’m about to call Melissa. She is nearer. She could come see how you’re doing. And let’s work together to resolve this, shall we?” Jacob came to an end.
I had a tiny glimmer of hope when I hung up the phone. Perhaps I wasn’t the only one who thought this.
The days passed slowly. Unplayed, my piano gathered dust. It was as though a piece of myself was vanishing.
A loud knock jolted me out of my gloom one evening. My granddaughter Melissa was standing there as I answered the door, a big smile lighting up her face.
She yelled, “Surprise, Nana!” and gave me a strong embrace.
Her horrified eyes widened as she pulled back. “Nana, who did this to your wall?”
I started crying and let the entire narrative come out in between sobs. With every syllable, Melissa’s look grew darker.
“Oh, Nana,” she said softly, leading me to the couch. “How dare they do this to you? Did you report them?”
“I didn’t want to make a fuss. It’s just… it’s been so hard, sweetie. That piano, it’s all I have left of your grandpa.”
Tears filled Melissa’s eyes. “Nana, I am aware. I swear, we’ll make this right.”
“How?” I asked, feeling hopeless. “They hate my music. They hate me.”
Melissa grasped my hands firmly and comfortingly. “Nana, they can stuff their animosity up their bottoms. They have no idea who you are. You’re about to find out what happens when you mess with the wrong pianist by these entitled brats!”
The following day, Melissa was a ball of energy. She called, ordered supplies, and even sought the assistance of some long-time neighbors of mine.
“Nana, we’re going to teach those Grinches a lesson about respect.”
Melissa installed tiny speakers that night all over the Grinches’ property, discretely tucked down beneath their windows in the boxwood shrubs.
She gave me a wink as their car entered the driveway. “Show time, Nana!”
Soft piano music, scarcely heard at first, came from the hidden speakers as soon as the Grinches disappeared inside. They looked perplexed as they hurried out. Abruptly, the sound track shifted to a combination of barking dogs and automobile alarms.
As I watched them scurry around, attempting to locate the source of the noise, I couldn’t help but laugh.
Melissa gave a victorious smile. She remarked, hitting a red button on a gadget that looked like a remote control, “And now, for the grand finale.”
The most absurd collection of fart noises I had ever heard flooded the air. I burst up laughing so hard that tears ran down my cheeks.
“Melissa!” I gasped between giggles. “You’re terrible!”
She gave me a strong hug. “My Nana is untouchable by anyone. Furthermore, it never hurts to get a little harmless retribution.”
I was happy as we watched the Grinches hurriedly looking around their yard. I whispered, “Thank you, sweetheart.” “For reminding me to stand up for myself.”
A crew showed up at my residence early the following morning. I was shocked to see that they were turning my piano room into a cutting-edge, soundproof studio.
“Now, Nana, you can play anytime you want,” Melissa added, holding my hand tightly. “No one will ever tell you to stop again.”
I took a seat at my freshly polished piano as the workers concluded their work. As my fingers touched the keys, they trembled, but once I started playing, it seemed familiar.
I closed my eyes as the well-known strains of “Moon River” flooded the air, and I could feel Jerry’s presence all around me.
“That’s my girl,” I could almost hear him say. “Play on, Bessie. Play on.”
Melissa carried a glass of wine as she danced around the space. Her cheer was, “You rock, Nana!” “Grandpa would be so proud.”
Tears filled my eyes as I turned to face her as the last chords drifted away. “I’m grateful, sweetie. My voice is returned, thanks to you.”
“No, Nana,” Melissa said, kneeling beside me. “You’ve always had your voice. I just helped you remember how to use it.”
It was time for Melissa to go, far too soon. She gave me the device, which looked like a remote control, as we waited for her cab in the driveway.
“Just in case those Grinches act up again,” she winked. “One press, and it’s the farthest city. But I don’t think you’ll need it. The whole neighborhood’s got your back now, Nana!”
I hugged her tightly. “I love you so much, Melissa. Thank you for everything.”
“Nana, I adore you too. Tell me you’ll continue playing regardless of what people say.”
I said, “I promise,” in a firm and confident voice.
As I watched the taxi disappear down the street, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my son: “How are you doing, Mom? Melissa told me everything. I’m so proud of you. Love you. ❤️”
I smiled, tears pricking my eyes as I typed back: “I’m doing better than I have in weeks. Thank you for being there for me. I love you too. 🤗🎼”
As I turned to head back home, I swear I saw Jerry standing with his arms extended, asking me to come play the piano.
I closed the door behind me after wiping away a stray tear of happiness. Nothing was going to stop me from playing the piano this time; it was waiting for me.
My fingers found the keys, and I felt whole once more. The music grew louder, resonating throughout my house and in my soul. I knew that Jerry was out there, smiling, dancing, and listening.
I muttered, “This one’s for you, my love,” and let the tune of our favorite song carry me away. “And for our family, who never gave up on me!”
The sounds of “Moon River” floated into the atmosphere.
