Chapter 26 - Chloe returns to the Steinway
Three years after the gala, Chloe was twelve.
Victor hosted fewer house concerts.
Public image changes have habits.
The Blackwood Foundation invited Daniel’s estate to a commemorative performance marking the release of The Lantern Sea.
I almost declined.
Then Chloe said:
“I want to go.”
“Why?”
“I want to see the piano.”
I stared.
“Seriously?”
“Yes.”
We negotiated.
No surprise performance.
No media interview.
No forcing Victor interaction.
She agreed.
The ballroom looked exactly the same.
Chandeliers.
Marble.
Steinway.
Different to me.
Victor approached.
Older.
Same black tuxedo.
He said:
“Nora.”
“Victor.”
Then to Chloe:
“Hello, Chloe.”
She looked at him.
“Hi.”
He did not ask forgiveness.
Good.
He said:
“The piano is available if you’d like to play before people arrive.”
Chloe looked at me.
Her choice.
She sat.
Not The Lantern Sea.
She played a short piece by Debussy.
Victor listened from across the room.
When she finished, he said:
“Beautiful.”
Chloe replied:
“My teacher says my left hand rushes.”
Victor almost smiled.
“Teachers ruin compliments.”
She shrugged.
Then left the bench.
The Steinway had become a piano again.
May you like
That mattered.
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