When Cameron and Austin reached the music room, it was the time when most students were returning to campus. The spacious room was completely empty.
Austin sat down at the white piano and smiled at Cameron, “Make yourself comfortable anywhere, Cam.”
Cameron crossed her arms and leaned against the piano, her eyes shifting sideways to study Austin’s handsome face with its distinctive mixed–race features,
Austin slowly closed his eyes, and his fingers began to dance across the black and white keys. The music that emerged was cheerful and soothing.
Austin swayed gently with the music, his body moving naturally with the rhythm.
As he played, his sleeves slid up his arms from his exaggerated movements, revealing a large bruise on his right wrist. Cameron noticed it immediately but said nothing, turning her attention to the empty auditorium instead.
When the song ended, Cameron applauded genuinely. “That was really good. Beautiful melody, and the transitions were smooth. Did you write it yourself?”
Austin smiled at the compliment, nodding. “Yeah, I did.”
“Impressive,” Cameron said. “Is your dream to become a singer, Austin?”
“My dream?” Austin’s eyes flickered slightly. “Sure, I guess so.”
‘A singer?‘ Austin thought. ‘What’s the point of being someone who just sings?
‘Don’t think I don’t know. That man has spies even here at school.‘
The moment Austin made any suspicious moves, that man would know immediately. So Austin would just let him see exactly what he wanted to see.
“You’ll make it,” Cameron said simply.
Austin smiled warmly. “Thanks, Cam. You’re really nice. Thanks for listening to me play.”
Cameron raised an eyebrow. “I bet lots of people in this school want to hear you play.” She remembered her last visit to the music room–Austin performing on stage with every seat filled below.
“You’re joking,” Austin laughed it off.
Cameron shoved one hand in her pocket. “Can I go now?”
Austin was momentarily speechless. ‘He really just came to hear one song?‘ he thought.
“Cam, it’s still early,” Austin said. “How about I play two more songs for you?”
“I’m kind of hungry,” Cameron replied. “I should grab dinner.” And after dinner, it would be time for evening study hall. “How about just one more?” Austin pleaded.
Cameron said nothing, just looked up at the ceiling before leaning back against the piano. She crossed her arms, waiting for him to play another song.
“You’re the best, Cam,” Austin said gratefully.
Cameron didn’t respond.
Austin’s fingers returned to the keys, and music immediately flowed from his fingertips. A song didn’t take long, just four minutes.
When he finished, Cameron opened her eyes and looked at him. Austin watched her expectantly.
“I have a small suggestion,” Cameron said.
Austin looked surprised but maintained his smile. “Go ahead.”
“Your chorus is too flat,” Cameron said. “The melody only reaches note 7 at its highest point with that 3-7-7-7-6-5-3-5-6 progression. It lacks dimension. The way it smoothly descends makes it too predictable. There’s no anticipation or surprise. Maybe try something like this?”
the piano.
Cameron reached over with one hand and played norion of naton on the
Successfully unlocked!
Austin stared at her, completely stunned. “Wai
