But this year he signed up.
He did not tell me until two weeks beforehand.
“What are you playing?”
“Something I wrote.”
“You wrote a song?”
“Instrumental.”
“Can I hear it?”
“No.”
“I’m your mother.”
“That’s not a musical credential.”
When the night arrived, the auditorium was crowded.
Maya sat near the aisle with her father.
Lucas and Elena drove in.
Martin closed the shop early.
Rebecca came.
Even Officers Daniels and Cooper appeared near the back, claiming they had received “aggressive invitations” from Maya.
Dr. Mercer stepped onto the stage first.
He gave a brief welcome.
No speeches about kindness.
No retelling of Julian’s sacrifice.
Julian had requested that too.
He did not want the worst and best day of Maya’s year turned into inspirational entertainment.
Then his name was called.
He walked onto the stage carrying the red Stratocaster.
My throat tightened.
He sat on a stool beneath the warm stage lights.
