Moonlight Sonata.
From Wilson's POV. It's shamelessly romanticised, but never
mind, eh! Read this whilst listening to Moonlight Sonata if you can, it really makes a difference.
Disclaimer: Neither the characters nor the song is mine. We've got Beethoven to thank for the divine music!
I woke to the sound of the Moonlight Sonata. Each note was played soft and gentle, with no hesitation or fear.
For a full minute I lay, not opening my eyes, letting the beautiful strains of the melody simply wash over me.
A haunting accompaniment was added to the tune, and I couldn't stop the shiver which travelled down my back. My eyes opened, and I slowly twisted my head towards the source of the music.
Sat at the piano, Greg had his eyes closed. He was rocking slightly, in time to the music. His right leg was pointing at a slight angle; whilst his left was straight, his ankle rotating as he expertly manipulated the pedals. His shoulders were loose, his back curved slightly. He was completely relaxed.
His long fingers flitted up to the higher registers, before floating back down as the music swelled. As the sonata reached a crescendo, Greg's face became more focused, his gentle swaying became more pronounced. He followed the rise and fall of the music; living it; breathing it; becoming it.
The sonata ended, and for the longest time he sat, hands resting gently in his lap, eyes still closed.
He let out a sigh. Whether for himself or for another, I never knew.
His eyes opened.
Lost in his music, Greg could be free. In an aria the infarction never happened, in a minuet his heart was whole. A waltz, no one could hurt him. A sonata, he was alive. In his music he was free.
He reached for his cane.
The illusion of peace was shattered as he winced whilst standing. The 'thunk' of the piano lid and the rasp of the wooden cane along the piano dragged reality firmly back into place.
He limped slowly, carefully, sadly back to his room, and as he walked away from the last ounce of freedom he possessed, I was filled with such sorrow and pity, it felt like my heart was breaking for him, and I couldn't stop a tear from tracking its way down my cheek.