To: Lilianna Jones

Date: Sun, Dec 3, 2020

Dear Lily,

Music pervades the expanse where your heart feels void.

The program went smoothly. You had pre-performance jitters, but Mrs. Carah, your lovely teacher, helped you in feeling better. When you heard your name, you were a nervous-wreck. But with all the assistance of the music teachers, you managed to calm down a bit and made your way up on the stage. With every step, you could hear vibrations passing from your feet, through your body, and your heart. You could almost hear your own heartbeat; it was panicking. 

The auditorium was massive. Chandeliers decorated the ceilings and personage portraits hung in definite-orientation to each other on its walls. You could see the audience; there were too many of them. From teachers to parents to kids, you couldn't help but notice the eager tracing their faces. The violin class students were present as well and they didn't look at you like the weird kid. They were waiting for you to start.

The lit room faded into darkness, except for the spot where you stood; forming a clique around you. Light whisperings could be felt and with every elapsed second, they kept overwhelming. Mrs. Carah stood towards the east of the stage; the curtain blinding her from the audience. She clasped her hands and gave you a small nod. Her lips formed a thin, sweet motherly smile, asking you to go ahead and perform. 

The moment was tenser than anything you have had come across. Taking a deep breath, your palms clammy holding the blow, you placed your chin on the shoulder rest. Your mind was racing, but you shut out the rest of the world and gave it into the piece. Starting vigorously, then switching the rhythm to a lighter tone; you ranged across the fingering, your bow raised high and in motion. 

A sense of calmness washed over your agitated facade. With every passing cadence and tone, you felt yourself unnerving and fall into the melody formed within the piece. The tranquility of the auditorium allowed yourself to fill in the void for silence. Beautiful and in essence, you could feel the music relinquishing through your fingertips to your bow and your body. A splendor of caressing air kindled your untrained sensitive heart. 

Happiness, joy, and comfort crashed back and forth between your heart and your brain. The loneliness of the nights disappearing as a distant memory, ignorance of the people you loved faded away making your mind stir with uncontrolled emotions. 

With a final strike, you finished the piece and opened your eyes. A blurry transition transformed into clarity. The stage was once again lit up, presenting you to the audience. You waited; patiently and breathing lightly into the air. A moment of silence had passed, the stillness of the core of people arising. The next second, everybody was on their feet for a standing ovation. The parents were applauding, the kids whose faces were alight with glee wowed endlessly and the teachers joined with your violin classmates, who were appreciating and cheering for you.

You were happy, Lily. You weren't expecting yourself to be sentimental, but the moment you saw Mrs. Carah clapping for you, you broke down. The tears surged down your cheeks agile than you desired. Your heart was sensing pride for the first time, and it felt beautiful. 

Until then, music was just something you thought meant for skillful musicians who were gifted at birth. But then, you felt like it was a new morning; a rebirth of an unending enthusiastic epitome. 

Yours Lovingly

Lilianna Jones.