When his parents, who were infamous for their severe criticism, disparaged his daughter’s piano performance at a family meal, the single father was forced to face a difficult reality. His daughter’s proud moment swiftly evolved into a struggle to preserve her self-worth and innocence.
Lily’s tiny fingers were hovering over the keyboard as I observed, her brows knitted in focused attention. Her worried face was softly lit by the soft glow from the lamp in the corner, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in our living room.
My gaze strayed to the framed picture of the two of us on the piano. When she was sitting on my lap at the age of five, we both had big smiles on our faces. It served as a helpful reminder of my motivations.
“Take your time, my love,” I murmured in a steady, collected tone. “You’ve got this.”
With her shoulders tensed, she inhaled deeply. “All right, Daddy. Hope I don’t make a mistake.”
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I tried to look her in the eye as I bent forward and rested my elbows on my knees. If you do, that’s alright too. Just give it your all. I’m impressed by how much you’ve practiced.
With a meek smile on her face and barely any confidence, she began to play. Despite the song’s simplicity and a few mispronounced notes and pauses, I could tell she was trying very hard. I clapped when she was done, beaming from ear to ear.
“That was great!” With a familiar flush of pride, I said. “You’re getting better every day.”
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“Really?” she questioned, her voice tentative and little.
“Definitely,” I replied, getting to my feet and embracing her. “After just a few lessons, you’re already performing at this level! I know it’s not easy, but you’re doing a fantastic job.”
She took a quick look at the photo on the piano. “Do you think Grandma and Grandpa will like it?”
My lips twisted into a tight smile. I was reluctant to express my doubts to her. I answered, “I’m sure they will,” and hoped I was correct.
As the doorbell rang, I snapped out of my reverie. A beat skipped in my heart. I opened the door after taking a deep breath.
“Tom,” my mother responded, reaching over to give me a brief, firm hug. “It’s been too long.”
“Yeah, it has,” I said, moving to make room for them. Jack, my father, nodded curtly to me, scarcely glancing at me before sweeping by and entering the home. I closed the door, instantly experiencing the well-known constriction in my chest. This was going to be a pleasant evening.
Lily was standing with her hands uncomfortably clutched in front of her as they entered the living room.
“Hello, Granny! Hello, Grandfather. She tried so hard to sound confident as she spoke brightly.
My mother’s smile narrowed somewhat. “Hello, sweet Lily. How you’ve grown, my.”
My dad hardly gave her a look. He whispered, “House looks fine,” looking around as though he was examining the space.
I forced myself to calm down. “Supper is almost ready,” I murmured, attempting to maintain my composure.
I began wiping the table as soon as we were done eating. With hesitation, Lily glanced between the living room and the kitchen.
“Is it possible for me to play now? She glanced at my parents and whispered softly, “Is that okay?
My mother said, “Of course, darling,” with a kind grin that stopped short of her eyes. “We’d love to hear what you’ve been working on.”
“You go ahead, my love,” I grinned. “You’re free to begin playing. I’ll start listening now.
“Are you sure?” she inquired, her fingers twitching at the shirt’s hem.
I gave a nod. “I have no trouble hearing you. And as soon as I’m done tidying up, I’ll immediately leave.”
She smiled slightly at me and moved back to the keyboard. My mother smoothed down her skirt and peered around the room as my father took a drink and settled in on the sofa.
With her fingertips hanging above the keys, Lily inhaled deeply. While I was doing the dishes, I tried to concentrate on the sound of her playing. She began slowly at first, with a somewhat erratic melody. She was obviously nervous. I listened intently as I dried a plate and put it aside.
She paused, missed a couple notes, and then began again. I could perceive the resolve in her performance, the will to overcome her errors. My pride grew within me. What really important was that she was giving it her all.
Just as I was going to begin cleaning the pans, an odd noise caught my attention. I initially believed that there was a problem with the piano before realizing it was my mother. Her initial laugh was muted, a repressed chuckle. I froze, straining to listen while holding a dishcloth.
My father’s laugh then joined hers, rougher and louder. It echoed through the kitchen like a slap. My stomach turned over. Dropping the plate, I made my way to the doorway and took a quick look inside the living room.
My mother inquired, “Was that your first time playing it?” and I could hear the typical edge in her voice.
Lily’s small fingertips remained on the keys as her gaze flitted between them. Her confused and wounded expression gave me the stomach-turning feeling. I watched her as she drew within, almost as if she was attempting to blend away. Her mouth trembled as she blinked quickly to contain her tears. That moment, my heart broke.
She shook her head and stammered, “No, no, I-I’ve had two lessons,” “It’s just… hard to play with both hands.”
My father’s voice boomed as he laughed more. “A dog could have performed more effectively,” he remarked, dabbing away a tear. He glanced at my mother, and they exchanged a look as though they were both privy to some dark farce.
I was immobile. I was paralyzed, torn between the scorching anger swelling within of me and my incredulity. My parents were like this. As they had done so many times before, my parents, who were meant to love and support their granddaughter, were tearing her down. An old, familiar rage choked me, but I forced myself to swallow it and try not to lose my cool for Lily’s sake.
I choked out a “Hey,” but I managed to speak it. “She has just begun. She’s doing fantastically.”
My mother dismissed me with a wave of her hand. Tom, please stop being so sensitive. We’re merely passing the time.”
Enjoyable. That’s the name given to it. Lily had stopped talking and was staring at the ground when I glanced at her. That look was one I recognized. I had years of wearing it.
I tried to remain calm as I said, “Mom, Dad, I think it’s time for you to go.”
Both of them stopped laughing and just stared at me as if I was crazy.
My dad got to his feet, his face flushed. “This isn’t how we raised you. You’re overly sensitive. If you treat her like way, she won’t be able to survive in the real world.”
It was more than I could handle. It all came pouring back, all the hurt and rage from years of their never-ending criticism and the way they minimized everything I accomplished. Although my voice remained calm, I felt as though I was standing on a precipice.
“This,” I continued in a quiet but determined tone, “is the reason I was so crazy when I was younger. Since you were unable to simply be kind. You had to put me down all the time. I won’t allow you to harm her in that way, though. Now exit.”
Shocked, they stared at me. I shook my head as my mother opened her mouth to say anything. “Not at all. Gather your belongings and leave.”
They gathered their bags and coats without saying anything more, gave each other a final glance, and walked away. After they left, the door clicked shut, and I stood there gasping for air. When I looked back, I saw Lily with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“I apologize, Daddy,” she muttered. “I didn’t mean to—”
In two strides, I crossed the room and gathered her into my arms. “No, sweetheart, no. You did not make any mistakes. I think you did a great job. I’m so happy for you.
Sniffing, she held on to me. “But they laughed at me.”
My chest constricted once again, but I spoke softly. “My dear, they were incorrect. Sometimes they just don’t know how to be polite. However, that is their issue, not yours.”
After hesitating, she slowly nodded. “Okay.”
She resumed her game after I sat down next to her and put my arm around her shoulders. Her fingers exhibited a slight confidence this time, and the melody flowed more smoothly. With pride in my heart, I observed her.
“See?” As soon as she was done, I replied gently. “You’re getting better every time.”
She smiled slightly, and I felt a wave of warmth rush through me. This was not the only instance of it. It had to do with all I was attempting to do and everything I wanted to be for her.
I took a seat by myself in the living room after Lily went to bed. I could still hear the events of the previous evening in the thick silence.
I inhaled deeply, got to my feet, and moved toward the picture-hung piano. I ran my fingers over the keys, reflecting on how their brutality had corrupted this once joyful instrument. However, it is no longer the case. She couldn’t have that taken from her by me. That wouldn’t be taken away from us by me.
Lily and I sat at the piano again the following morning. Her gaze was questioning as she raised hers to me. I nodded and grinned.
“Let’s try it again, okay?” I stated. “You and me.”
She began to play as soon as she nodded and her fingers found the keys. A little stronger, a little more confident, the tune filled the room. With a full heart, I observed her and felt we would be alright as the music started.
We would be all right.
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