Joshua had been looking forward to this day all year. The countless rehearsals, multitude of classes, and hours spent with his passion rather than his friends. All of that led up to his final performance. Josh was a student at the Manhattan Music Institute in New York just finishing up his degree. He had left his family all the way in California to pursue his dream of one day performing at Symphony Hall in Boston. He wasn't really ready for the future. He always liked to focus on the here and now. Always afraid that if he looked too far, he wouldn't like what he saw. Today was the day to set himself into a future that was easy to look to.
This was quite the change in scenery from what his parents grew up seeing. Both of his parents were originally from Hong Kong, but moved to America shortly before he was born. They always told him that they wanted to raise a child here because of all the opportunities that he would have. This would be his greatest opportunity yet at his senior recital which would make or break his future. If he did well, he could open up a multitude of doors to a career performing in amazing venues. Today was the day. He had his cumber bun on and his bow tie straight. He made his way to the warm up area backstage and set down his massive case. He opened it up and gave a sentimental look at his instrument: a beautiful maroon colored bassoon.
That bassoon had been with him since the beginning. He received it in middle school after an unsuccessful run at the clarinet. Soon after trying it out, he had found his calling. He worked long and hard to get where he was today and this bassoon was a tribute to it. It had always been with him. Josh was about to start preparing for the show when he heard his phone ringing. He meant to leave it back at his dorm but by force of habit brought back there with him. He quickly silenced the call, knowing that everyone that mattered already understood that he wasn't supposed to take phone calls. Only a minute had passed by and the phone rang again: same number. He decided to answer and see what was so important.
"Hello?" Josh asked with heavy hints of annoyance in his voice.
"Are you Josh Lee?" An older man's voice came through the phone with a slight Chinese accent.
"Um, yes. Who is this?"
"My name is Yi Wong. I know your parents and I don't have time to explain but you have to go to Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Bring your instrument." The man sounded very urgent and forthright.
"What are you talking about? I have a performance starting in 45 minutes."
"Bring the instrument quickly, they will be after you any moment." This time the man sounded almost annoyed that Josh wasn't already there.
Joshua hung up the phone, irritated, and continued to prepare. He put together his bassoon and tried to take his mind off of the phone call and onto his final performance but couldn't shake it. How had he known his name and how did he know his parents? Why bring his bassoon? So many questions were running through his mind.
A few minutes later Josh heard a banging on the back dock door. He looked over to see two large Asian men trying to get in. When they spotted him through the small window they started to ram against the doors. Josh stood up and wondered if this is what the mysterious man on the phone was talking about. They somehow managed to break it open and come barreling into the auditorium and straight for Josh. He thought about what the man had said. He picked up his bassoon and ran for the other door. He didn't look back as the men were yelling at him. He didn't know who the man from the phone was but he knew he needed answers.