"I told your mother this story.Said if I ever had a child with musical talent, I'd protect them from the pressure, the interference.That's why she made you keep it secret.She was protecting you from my family's legacy."
I lift her chin."But no more hiding.If you love to play, you play."
"Will you ever play again?"
I shrug."Maybe.But first, I want to hear you on this beauty."
Her lips curve up."I can play this?"She runs her hand reverently over the black top.
"Yes, but let me show you something first."With newfound peace, I lift the piano's lid.
"Are you kidding me?"Samantha shouts."This is a collector's item!"
"The Bösendorfer Artist Series Klimt, Woman in Gold.My father loved Klimt's work.When he couldn't perform anymore, he gave it to me."
A knock makes us turn.Alisha stands in the doorway, awestruck by the artwork.
"I had the same reaction," Samantha laughs.
I pull Alisha against my chest, and Samantha beams at us."You two make a perfect couple."She sits at the piano."So I'm the third Walker generation to play this piano?"
My heart swells hearing her claim the name.I nod.
"Sam," Alisha asks, "that beautiful piece we heard in the car - can you play it?"
"Yeah."
Alisha squeezes my hand."Oh, you'll love it."
I kiss the top of her head as Samantha prepares.Old memories flood back, but for once, they don't torment me.They're just memories now.
Samantha glances our way."I wrote this two years ago.It's called 'Where Are You?'"
The first notes fill the room, soft and melodious.I close my eyes, letting the music wash over me.As the melody builds, something deep inside breaks open.The wall I've carried for so long crumbles, and when the song ends, I open my eyes to find tears on my cheeks.
I cup her face in my hands."I heard you, and I'm here, Sam."
She nods, her own eyes wet.
"This piece was extraordinary - the emotion, the talent.And you composed it yourself?Mind-blowing."I wipe a tear from her chin."This piano is yours whenever you want it."
"Really?"
"You're a Walker.Your grandfather would be ecstatic to know his granddaughter can play and compose like this."
Her smile lights up the room.
"Want to stay and play?"I ask.
"Can I?"
"Of course.Alisha and I will get coffee."
"Thanks, Dad."
The word fills me with joy.Taking Alisha's hand, we leave as piano music follows us through the house.Pure happiness and peace rush through me.If I could bottle these emotions, I'd wear them like perfume.
These two women have changed my world in ways I never imagined possible.
