Story a Day #18 The Pianist

 This story is inspired by a painting by Alex Colville      

    Rita sits at the piano in the common room and starts to play. The resident dog lies contentedly at her feet.   She has been in the long term care home for several years and playing the piano is her solace in a difficult situation. The other residents enjoy her music and come to listen to her every day.  The staff make sure they keep the piano tuned for Rita.    She doesn’t speak or interact with anyone and hasn’t for years.  People accept this and if initial attempts to engage her are ignored, they leave her alone.   Her music is her voice and her heart and that is enough for them.  

            Bill is a newcomer to the home and does not want to be there.   He refuses to participate in social activities and won’t socialize with anyone at meals.   When he is unhappy, which is often, he is loud and vocal about it. He is difficult and unlikeable and doesn’t understand that he would be happier if he just made an effort. 

          One day Bill goes into the common room while Rita is playing.  He stops at the doorway scowling.   People think he is going to make a fuss about the music.  But he doesn’t.   He comes into the room and stands there for a while.  No one approaches him.    After a while, he takes a chair and sits down beside the piano.   Hands on lap, staring straight ahead, he says nothing.   No one knows if he likes the music or not.  His face is closed, impassive, unreadable.   The woman starts to play “I’ll be seeing you”, one of the favourites.  Something changes on the old man’s face.   His eyes well up and then he opens his mouth and begins to sing along with her.  A rich baritone, beautiful and full and poignant.   “I’ll be seeing you, in all the old familiar places…”    A hush falls over the room.  People are transfixed by the two people in front of them.   Two people who have never met.   Two people with their own sorrow and pain who have found a bond they can share.    She finishes the song.  Silence.  Without a word or change of expression, the man stands up, replaces the chair, and walks out of the room.