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He leads me to the back of the house. I still need to see the entire property. Zander gave me a quick tour when we arrived, as everyone was eagerly waiting for lunch. But now I notice that under the giant window overlooking the woods sits a grand piano. Walking closer, I realize it’s not new.
Maybe a vintage.
As I place my finger on C major, the brassy sound echoes in the room.
“It’s your mom’s,” Dad says. My hand on the keys trembles at the knowledge, but he continues. “This was my wedding gift to her. We have spent countless nights sitting at this piano. It’s where your mom taught me how to play.” I sit on the stool as he reminisces, and my fingers play a melody on autopilot.
“Rose!” Sophia whispers from the corner, where she’s hiding behind a wall.
Only then do I realize I’ve played the notes she tucked into the yellow pages of the journal. Her heavy voice draws my attention to her. Tears are rolling down her face, mirroring my own.
“I found it in your journal,” I explain, suddenly feeling nervous. “W-what’s it called?”
She looks at me in surprise.
“I know you don’t like notes without a title.” My heart clenches at the admission. As much as I don’t like to admit it, Sophia isn’t a stranger. She has been in my life since I can remember, or since my life mattered.
“Lost Love,” she whispers as more tears race down her cheeks.
For the first time, she doesn’t look like the strong, confident woman I know her to be, but a mom grieving for her lost but cherished child. My mom.
Her teary eyes widen, and I realize I’ve spoken the last words out loud.
“M-mom,” I say, consciously this time. The word doesn’t come out easily.
“Rose,” she whispers my name as if saying a silent prayer. “I’m so sorry. I am so, so sorry.” She breaks into heavy sobs and runs toward me. Throwing her arms around me, she hugs me tight.
“I am…sorry too,” I whisper into her welcoming warmth.
“Don’t you say that, my baby.”
“I’m sorry for taking so long, Mom.” I hide my face in her neck and breathe my mother’s flowery smell.
“You could have taken an eternity, and it would still be justified. There is no forgiveness for my sins. I’m so sorry.”
She continues to apologize for all the things she did and did not do.
Her tears, her words, slowly heal the long, deep wounds etched onto my heart. Several moments pass by. I don’t know how long, but Dad walks over and engulfs us in a huge hug.
“Today is the happiest day of my life. I got all my girls back.”
* * *
“How are you?” Zander asks as we wave the last of our guests, Zane and Lukas, goodbye.
“Good. I’m tired,” I correct myself when he raises his eyebrow at me. He pulls me into his arms, and I inhale the calming woodsy smell. “It was a good housewarming party.”
“A good memory?” He kisses my forehead.
“Definitely.” My eyes close as I try to relax myself after an emotionally tiring day.
“Shall we try to make it better?”
“Somebody is eager to go to bed.” I smile, proud of my ability to find an apt, playful reply.
“I’m always eager to go to bed with you, babe.” He laughs. “But I didn’t mean that.”
“Oh,” I mutter and my disappointed, drooping shoulders only make him chuckle.
