In the silent music room, he sat on his beloved piano and played it with a single, lazy finger. The leather-bound book that was my diary sat on top of the instrument, unmoving, as I stared at it with a tight throat.

Ah, He found out…

It was dark, not a single light aided our sights, except of course, for the moonlight that splashed its glory on the piano and my husband. There, in front of me, he looked lonesome, alone and sad. His usually regal look was now that of a pitiful one, and his shoulders so proud and straight, were now slumped and defeated.

I clung tightly to the sides of my skirt.

"R-roderich …" I whispered, but it sounded like a yell, breaking the melodious chain he was making with the piano. His finger froze, his body became rigid.

"Did you come to say goodbye?" he asked bitterly, looking back just an inch from his shoulder. "I don't need it, Elizabeta. I set you free. You needn't pay me with affection or farewell. Just go."

"Did you read my diary, Roderich?" I asked, taking three steps advancing to him.

He didn't move, but I was sure with the way my boots met with the floor, he heard me coming. "Yes, I have. Everything."

"Then you must know…" I was a foot from him,looking at his back and shoulders. "That between the love I feel in my heart and the marriage we share for so long, I am hesitant to pick the former from the latter."

"There is no need." He turned fully now, melancholic, violet eyes squarely met mine. "I want you to go, because I want you to be happy."

It pierced my heart, his words. Was he trying to tell me that I was never happy with him?

I was never happy until we lived together. War, pain, the horror of the world disappeared when you played the piano for me.

I felt…

safe with you.

"Elizabeta." He smiled a very fragile smile that one, wrong word could smash it from his face. "Gilbert, I'm sure, loves you too. You have to be with the one your heart longs for."

I looked down at my brown boots, hiding the shame that colored my face.

"But remember," He reached out and touched a stray lock of my hair, twirled it with his finger and let it slide through. "He can never love you more than I am loving you."

The blush in my face darkened, my heart raced faster. The traveling, dark clouds hid the majestic moonlight streaming into the window and then, darkness came.

For a moment, I felt his body move fluidly, standing up, pulling my waist against his and cupping my cheek.

"Did you love me, Eliza?" he whispered hoarsely. I didn't know if he was crying, or was about to cry, but his voice sounded broken, yet hopeful, like the answer I was about to let go might make or break his heart.

I paused.

Did I?

"Yes."

And our lips pressed against each other. I didn't resist. A last kiss was supposed to be bittersweet and gentle, but ours was passionate and responsive. It spoke to me.

Are you ready to leave him, the one who had loved you and filled the void inside you when Gilbert wasn't around? Are you ready to abandon him, who loved you so faithfully, so much that he is willing to let you go?

It may have been centuries when we broke apart. The light of the Luna flowed inside the very spot we kissed in, but none of us cared to notice. I saw his face.

It held tears that stained his beautiful cheeks and a smile I can only describe as grateful.

"Go now." He turned away from me, sat on the piano and positioned his fingers against the ivory.

Go.

Go, Elizabeta.

Isn't this what you wanted?

I took a step back just as he started playing. My body froze.

This particular sonata, It rang familiarly in my ears.

I have to go now. Go, before it is too late and I am chained forever to stay.

I walked briskly towards the door, but as I was about to pass through, I felt my heart being tugged by his melody.

Don't go, it said. Stay with me. I can't bear life without you…
Liar. He told me he wanted my happiness, but his song was pulling me to him, to love him again.

To let me think that I am unable to let go.

Unable… to leave him.

My feet were glued to the ground as I listened. Ah, Roderich, my love. Always the beautiful, emotional musician that you are.

Now I understand why so many people cry when you play.

See? I'm crying too.

But…

I quickly choked my sob and treaded out of the room and towards the front door. I freed myself when I stepped into the front steps. I can still feel his warm lips with mine, but the longing faded from my chest. There only lies guilt and the relief of freedom.

From where I stood, I still heard his Music.

And softly, I can hear his tears fall down on the ivory keys, as he plays Piano in the dark.