“Max.” Her jaw quivered.
Norbie’s and Emmi’s eyes widened. Ewald clasped Emmi’s hand and leaned in.
Anna wiped her eyes and continued to read.
Oh, Max.Tears streamed down Anna’s cheeks. She accepted a handkerchief from Norbie and wiped her eyes.
Anna lowered her head into her hands and cried. She felt Norbie and Emmi place their arms around her. She took in deep breaths, attempting to calm her mind and soothe the ache in her chest.
The audience applauded as a man wearing a black tailed jacket and bow tie walked onto the stage and sat at the piano.
“Are you all right?” Norbie asked.
Anna raised her head, wiped her tears, and then looked into his eyes. “I am now.”
Norbie smiled.
The applause faded, leaving silence. Norbie and Emmi clasped Anna’s hands.
The pianist began to play the first movement of the suite, “Prelude to Light in C-Sharp Minor,” which started with somber repeating chords, like rhythmic waves on a shore. And as a delicate melody joined the progression of chords, aesthetic chills tingled over Anna’s skin. Memories of sitting next to Max at the piano flashed in her head.
Nia perked her ears and thumped her tail.
Tears of gratefulness filled Anna’s eyes. And she knew, deep down, that her and Max’s love for each other would live on forever through his music.
