âSure,â Jasper said. She just really wanted to listen to Williamâs music.
So William began to play, and he played a familiar tune called âFür Elise,â which was also one of Jasperâs favorite pieces to listen to.
Jasper listened quietly, even though they were separated by a phone screen and distance, the piano sound still surrounded her ears so clearly.
This is the sound of Williamâs piano.
When the song ended, Jasper suddenly asked, âWilliam, do you think there will come a day when I wonât be able to hear your music anymore?â
William was taken aback and asked, âWhy do you ask?â
âIâm afraid that maybe someday, youâll disappear like Lawrence and I wonât be able to find you,â she said. Then she seemed to realize that it wasnât appropriate to say that and quickly added, âIâ¦Iâm not saying youâll disappear, Iâ¦I justâ¦â
After hesitating for a moment, she said, âIâm just really afraid that something unexpected might happen, like if we have an argument, or if you stop talking to me, or ifâ¦â.
William interrupted, âThere wonât be so many âifsâ!â
âButâ¦â
âJasper, Iâm not Lawrence,â William said, âso I wonât argue with you. Even if something happens in the future and youâre angry with me, I will actively come to find you and try to make things better between us.â
âBut what if you get angry with me? Will you stop talking to me?â she asked worriedly.
Since Lawrenceâs incident, her previous carefree and lighthearted attitude seemed to have been covered by a layer of something, making her more anxious and insecure.
âNo, I wonât,â William said with absolute certainty, âJasper, I will never ignore you, never.â
âReally? Are you sure?â she seemed somewhat incredulous.
âYes, Iâm sure. I will never ignore you, even if one day Iâm really angry with you.â
She stared at the face on her phone screen, and suddenly, the anxiousness in her heart seemed to calm down.
âOkay, what else do you want to hear?â William asked.
âAnything is fine, I want to hear whatever you play,â Jasper replied.
So, Williamâs fingers once again tapped on the piano keys, producing beautiful notes that flowed out from his fingertips and were so pleasant to hear.
William didnât know how long he played for, until the face on his phone screen was no longer visible. He thought that maybe she had fallen asleep.
He then ended the video call and made a phone call to Grace, âAuntie Grace, Jasper has fallen asleep.
Can you please cover her with a blanket?â
âHuh?â Grace was surprised that her daughter had fallen asleep at home, but William was the one informing her.
âI was video chatting with her earlier, but then the video was on but there was no sound, so I thought she must have fallen asleep,â William explained.
âOh, okay, Iâll go check on her,â Grace said.
After ending the call, William walked out of the piano room and as soon as he reached the living room, he saw that his father was still awake.
âYouâve been in there for three hours, did you play the piano continuously for three hours?â Philip asked.
âWhy arenât you sleeping yet?â William asked, avoiding the question.
âMy son hasnât slept yet, so as a father, I canât sleep peacefully either,â Philip replied. âHow are your fingers? They must hurt.â
âIâm fine,â William said.
Philip knew his son well. Even if his hands were really hurting, his son probably wouldnât say anything.