No angst in this one, finally.

But we have the most generic prompt. It's sad, but I tried. Because how hasn't done this as a write?

Day 29: Music

Chapter Summary: Max is only interested in one thing.


David had noticed that Max wasn't particularly interested in anything. It was very strange to him. How could a kid not have an interest? Kids find exciting things to grow as a person and make to them feel happy. At least, that's what childhood looked like for him. But Max was never drawn to anything.

Until his school offered band.

Max was very interested when he received his school's schedule. He was quick with his decision to join the school band.

After the first day, he was very quiet about how it went. Max refused to tell David anything, so David didn't know if the boy liked it or not. But he assumed that if he wasn't complaining that it wasn't too bad.

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A month passed and David had gotten news of Max's school having a band performance. David hadn't yet heard Max play anything, and still didn't even know which instrument he was assigned to. Max insisted that he shouldn't go, but David was equally insistent that they do go.

So there they were at Max's school, watching the staff set up for a small autumn performance from the school's band.

"I guess I have to go find the rest of the band. I'll see you later." Max walked off. "Oh! Okay, have fun." David smiled. He really hoped Max was enjoying this.

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An hour passed, an announcement was made that the band children would soon be out to play a few songs. David had managed to find a nice place to watch from the sea of other parents, he absolutely needed a good view so he could tell Max just how proud he was.

A minute later, a group of children walked onto the small set-up stage with their instruments. David quickly searched for Max. Where would he be? What instrument would he be holding?

There!

Fluffy hair was seen in the middle of the small group. No big instrument with him, but he was certainly there. The children stood in somewhat even lines on the small stage, and much to David's surprise Max was in the front row. Not in the middle, but still very visible. With a shiny flute. He only noticed how much it shined because all the other kids apparently hadn't cared about the appearance of their instruments. The colors dulled a bit, but Max's was still bright and perfect. 'He really does enjoy this.' If he bothered to take care of his flute, he must pay very close attention. 'He's probably the best kid on that sad little stage.' David's fatherly mind told him.

The teacher stood in front of the group of kids and instructed them slowly. The kids started playing. Max started playing. Oh David was so proud. He was such a natural. Max did look happy up there.

The song soon ended. Parents clapped, some cheered. But David, being the dork he is, was the loudest. Max saw him, and was immediately embarrassed. This was pretty much the reason he wanted David to stay home while he was with the band.

Several songs went by, and the band teacher announced that the performance was over and everyone could go home. David jumped excitedly, ready tell Max how proud he was. The boy was still quite short compared to the other children, but David was determined to find him.

There was the hair! In the crowd of other kids! "Max!" David called. Max turned his head and saw David. He moved a hand down his face. "Okay. I've had a good life." David quickly hugged him very tightly. Max had fully accepted his death. Unfortunately for his plans, David let him go before his spine snapped. "I didn't know you were interested in the flute."

"Yeah, you weren't really supposed to. That's why I didn't want you here." Max walked out of the group and towards the parking lot where David had left the car. "But you were so good, why would you not want everyone to know?" Max shrugged, still holding the shiny flute. "Cause who still plays the flute? Only stupid kids in band. Then after they leave the class they never touch it again."

"Oh, you'd be wrong, Max." Max looked up at him. "Why? I'm known to be right all the time." David smiled. "Because I've still got my band instrument from when I was in school." Max scoffed. "And you can still play it?" David stuttered a bit. "Uh- Well- I, Umm, yes."

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After getting home, Max demanded that David show him the old instrument. Going up to their small attic, David found an old case. He opened it and showed Max a slightly dusty clarinet. "And you still play this?" David lifted it. "Yeah, sometimes. If you're not home."

"Well than make sure it stays that way." Max walked away. David quickly put the clarinet away and walked after Max. "Oh, well alright. Just, uh- do you like band?"

"No. I hate it and the flute I keep so well cleaned."


There's only one swear in this chapter, I think. That's not enough.

I'll probably re-write this one later. Who knows.

Leave a review that's as flawless as Max's flute.