The Piano Key (So)

She kept running by the edge of the town to keep herself from being seen. When she gets tired, she would rest a bit, and then starts running again. Because of too much fear, she just ran and ran without thinking where she's headed. It was not until she has covered quite a distance that she stopped. When she crept closer towards the town, it wasn't her home place anymore. She saw no houses but only a small, lonely makeshift hut nearby.

Panic started rising inside. Being a shy little girl, she rarely comes out of her house and usually wanders not too far. She would always hang out alone in that clearing and try with the hope that her key will appear, but with her hideout discovered, even her only comfort place has been invaded and taken. Being alone in an unfamiliar place brought a new fear within her.

"Oh n-no. W-what should I do? How s-should I get back?" she whimpered. Her eyes that has recently dried from too much running were starting to fill with tears again. She looked back, thinking she could try retracing her steps, but was surprised to see that the trees all looked the same. Being confused, alone and tired totally made her loose heart she broke down. She wept bitterly, but was trying hard to be as quiet as possible because she was afraid to attract or disturb nearby beasts and other scary creatures. It was still mid-afternoon, but the thought of reaching twilight in this unkown place made her cry even more she was trembling.

Then her ear picked up a sound. She slowly stopped crying and made a puzzled face. A melody was carried by the mild breeze. She looked up from burying her face in her hands and listened. After a while, she stood up unsteadily and inclined her ear around, curious to find the source. When she seemed to have located where it came from, she walked, wiping away the wetness of her face on her hands and clothes. She had completely forgotten her worries. Slowly but surely she crept closer, and the sound became even more distinct. It was a classical music. Somebody with such gift must have been playing, although she has no idea what kind of instrument. Her face lit up to figure out this mystery. She hastened her steps but made sure to be as quiet as possible. She would often scold herself to be quiet when she stepped on a dried leaf or twig.

The music was just nearby. She hasn't walked that far when she saw a small clearing ahead. It was similar to her hideout but this one was quieter since it's not close to a town center. She hid behind a tree by the bushes, her back against the trunk. The melody sounded nice as it kept playing. She giggled silently with excitement. Who could be playing and what is the gift?

Stealthily with a grin on her face, she leaned to her right and turned to peek. Then her mouth hung open and her eyes widened.