April 2013
As Georgina walked towards the house she could hear the faint sounds of music floating on the air. She was surprised, as far as she knew there was no one living there who had any musical talents. The piano in the front room had never been used; it was locked and covered with dust.
The nearer she got the louder the music came to her. Could it be a radio or record player? She had never seen either of them on any of her visits before.
Georgina had been coming to this house to visit her Grandmother for years now. First as a young child to see her Grandparents, who had been the main stays of her life, after her father's death. They had helped her through university and now she was a qualified doctor.
After her Grandfather's death her Grandmother's health had deteriorated and now she was bed or chair ridden and reliant on carers all the time. It was sad to see that fiercely independent woman so dependent on strangers, but there was no alternative.
As Georgina went through the door, the strains of music changed and became faster and louder. It certainly was coming from the front room. She stood in the hall for a while just listening. It sounded beautiful. What was happening?
She turned the handle of the front room door, the music stopped. Georgina entered and immediately saw her Grandmother in her favourite armchair, gazing out of the window, with a happy faraway look on her face.
Nearby stood a young man, smiling down at the old lady. Georgina noticed the piano, it was open and some sheet music was perched on it. The young man glanced at Georgina and gave a nervous smile.
'Was it you playing the piano?'
'Yes your Grandmother said I could.'
'You play very well. Have you had lessons?'
'No, I just listened to my mother playing as a young boy, and have taught myself.'
'Incredible,' said Georgina 'That's the first time I've ever seen that piano open.'
'Your Grandmother told me it had been locked sixty years ago, when their son was killed in the war.'
'I didn't know they even had a son, he was never mentioned, and there is no photo.' replied Georgina.
She went over to where her Grandmother sat, and knelt in front of her.
'Why didn't you or mother ever tell me about your son, my uncle?'
'It hurt too much,' came the whisper 'I never could really believe it. He was so young.'
'But why lock up the piano?'
'He played so well, he was training to be a concert pianist. But it was never to be.'
Georgina looked across at the young man, then back to her Grandmother.
'And now? What has made you change your mind, and let the piano be opened?'
'Tom looks just like my boy Robert, he plays like him too. It brings back so many happy memories.'
Georgina gave her Grandmother a hug. 'Don't lock it again, let it be used. Don't waste anymore time in unhappy thoughts.'
She looked across at Tom and at the piano. He understood and went across, sat down and started to play again. There was a smile and a happy look on her Grandmother's face as they both sat, relaxed and listened to the notes floating on the air.