Before the Show
She sat, the fingertips of her right hand stroking the ivory keys, her left hand massaging the knot that had formed in her neck. This concert was it, the one that would make or break her musical future, and she didn’t want to lose it. The stage remained dark and the seats were all empty, but she imagined they were all there, waiting for her to play, watching her knead the muscles in her neck. She had to remain strong, or at least look strong, if she wanted to succeed. No one found success during moments of self-pity and tears.
The soft shuffle of gentle steps was the only sound now, coming from behind her, from behind the stage’s heavy curtains. She knew it was him, her lover, her support, her lifeline. He would reach her soon and would offer her words of encouragement and love. He was her secret hero; his strength was hers too.
Stepping slowing towards the piano bench, he rubbed his hands to ensure their warmth. He knew she needed him. He loved that she needed him, it gave him purpose. Gently he placed his hands on her shoulders. He could feel the tension in her muscles and began to knead her shoulders, trying to loosen the stress and strain.
She began to melt under his warm touch. He passed his strength through his fingertips into her soul. She knew she would be okay; she knew she would hold onto his strength for both.
©2020 CBialczak
Written for: http://thesundaymuse.blogspot.com/
Stine Writing 
I don’t mind the dependence – or the appreciation – I have a feeling such support is reciprocated in a good relationship. It is what makes life “rich”.
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Very true when it is a healthy relationship.
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I’m so happy that this was a positive story. I felt myself set up for irony–and then, miracle! He was just what she needed! This passage would be a great opening for a novel.
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I hope she finds her own independence and her own path. Men are nice but independence is nicer.
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I hear you sister!
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Because I am an old crone, my thoughts were similar to Beverly’s – that one day she will find her own strength. But it is a lovely romantic piece for certain.
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Nice to meet you. I am an old crone, so I had similar thoughts to Beverly’s, her one day finding her own strength. But it is a nice romantic piece, for sure.
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Thoroughly satifying prose … brava.
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Thank you Helen!
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Very nice? Have you ever heard the Who song “Odorono”? It’s sort of the sad-ending opposite of this story.
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I hadn’t meant to put a question mark after “very nice”. I got ahead of myself!
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I hadn’t ever heard this song but you are exactly right! Funny, huh? So similar.
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A story of strength in talent end emotion. Nice one.. Enjoyed it.
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Thank you Anthony
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Love the image of the private strengths folding into public ones.
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I had to reread my entry to understand, but yes, I see what you mean.
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Nice!
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Perhaps the day will come when she finds she can be a strong and independent woman, and it is he who needs. Perhaps.
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Beverly, I think that is a perfect message. Something I would have liked to think about including at the end. Women can’t be led to think they need a man, or significant other, to survive.
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They are a beautiful and romantic couple indeed. This moment was captivating and took me right there to that piano on stage. Lovely writing Christine! Thank you for joining us at the Muse!
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Thank you for having me! And thank you for the compliment.
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