Songs of Healing

The next morning, the atmosphere felt calmer. James and Theresia had started packing, while Viona still sat on the wooden porch with a cup of tea in her hands. Her gaze drifted toward the lake, which was shrouded in a thin fog that morning.

Steve came out of the house carrying two mugs of coffee. He handed one to Viona before sitting down next to her. "Are you sure you want to stay?"

Viona nodded slowly. "I still need time."

Steve smiled. "Alright. I don't mind staying longer."

James appeared from inside with a backpack on his back. "I envy you guys for being able to relax here. But oh well, the real world is calling."

Theresia followed, holding James's hand. "Don't forget to let me know if you get bored and want to head back to the city."

Steve laughed lightly. "Don't worry. We won't disappear without a trace."

After a few minutes of farewells, James and Theresia finally left. Their car slowly drove away, leaving Viona and Steve in the place—just the two of them.

Viona took a deep breath. It felt strange but also soothing.

Steve looked at her and said lightly, "So, what's our plan for today?"

Viona turned to him and smiled faintly. "I don't know. Maybe... enjoy the day without thinking about anything?"

Steve raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a good plan."

And for the first time in a long time, Viona felt no rush. There was no pressure. There was just herself, Steve, and the time that seemed to move slower in this place.

After having breakfast together, James received a phone call that required him to return sooner than planned. There was a side job he couldn't leave behind, and after a brief discussion, Theresia decided to go home with him.

"I feel bad leaving you here alone, Vi," Theresia said with a hint of worry in her voice.

Viona smiled gently, though she knew her friend was truly concerned. "I'm not alone. Steve is here," she said, glancing at the man who was washing dishes in the kitchen.

Theresia sighed. "Alright, but if anything happens, just let me know."

"Don't worry," Viona reassured.

James and Theresia said their goodbyes. As their car began to drive away, Viona stood in front of the house, feeling the cool breeze brush against her face. Now she was truly alone with Steve in this place.

"So, what should we do now?" Steve asked from behind her.

Viona turned and smiled faintly. "I don't know. We'll see later."

Steve grinned. "Alright then. Let's enjoy the time we have."

And with that, their new day began.

After resting for a bit at home, Viona and Steve decided to go out for some fresh air. They walked aimlessly, just enjoying the atmosphere of the city that was becoming busy as midday approached.

As they walked past a small street, Viona suddenly stopped when she saw a building with glass walls showcasing various musical instruments inside. There was a grand piano, guitars, drums, and violins displayed beautifully.

"Steve, look at that," she said, pointing inside.

Steve followed her gaze and smiled faintly. "A music studio," he murmured. "Looks like this place is new."

Without a second thought, Viona pulled Steve's hand and led him inside. As they passed through the glass door, the distinct aroma of wood and music glue greeted them. The room was spacious, with soft lighting. In the middle, there was a sleek black grand piano that immediately drew Viona's attention.

Steve approached the piano and touched the keys lightly. "Nice," he said, his voice full of admiration.

"Play something," Viona urged, her eyes sparkling.

Steve turned to her, smiling slightly. "Are you sure?"

Viona nodded enthusiastically.

Without another word, Steve sat on the piano bench and began to play a gentle melody that quickly filled the room. Viona recognized the song—it was one of the classical compositions Steve often played. The notes flowing made her feel calm, as if all the chaos she had just experienced was gradually fading away.

As the song neared its end, Steve turned to her. "Do you want to give it a try?" he asked playfully.

Viona laughed softly. "You know I'm not as good as you."

Steve shifted his seat slightly, making room. "You don't have to be good. Just feel the music."

Viona hesitated for a moment, but eventually sat next to Steve. Her fingers touched the piano keys, trying to follow the melody Steve played slowly.

And for the first time in the last few days, Viona felt the burden in her heart lighten a little.

Steve smiled faintly as he listened to the notes Viona played. Although hesitant at first, her fingers started getting accustomed to the piano keys, and the melody she produced sounded quite good.

"Still talented, I see," Steve said, glancing at her. "Must be because of an excellent teacher."

Viona chuckled softly. "Oh, so you're trying to take credit for my skills too?"

"Of course," Steve replied jokingly. "You couldn't read notes properly until I taught you."

Viona pouted slightly, pretending to be annoyed. "I also learned on my own."

"But if it weren't for me, you would've gotten lazy and given up halfway," Steve replied while pressing some keys, creating a harmony that blended with Viona's playing.

Viona sighed and smiled slightly. "Okay, okay. I admit, you really are a great teacher."

Steve smiled contentedly. "Good. My student should know that."

They continued playing for a bit, enjoying the moment without burdens. For Viona, music had always been her refuge, and being here with Steve made her feel better.

At least for the time being, she could forget the pain she had just experienced.

After playing a few songs, Viona eventually stopped and took a slow breath. Steve turned to her, noticing her face was a bit brighter than before.

"Looks like music is still the safest place for you, huh?" Steve asked.

Viona nodded. "It's always been that way. At least when I play the piano, I can control something… unlike life, which I sometimes can't control."

Steve looked at her for a moment before playing a few notes on the piano himself. "Life really can't be fully controlled, but… you can still choose where your next step is."

Viona turned to him. "And what if I don't know where to go?"

Steve stopped playing and looked at her earnestly. "If you don't know where to go, maybe don't think too far ahead. Just focus on the next step."

Viona smiled slightly, finding those words somewhat soothing. "The next step, huh?"

Steve nodded. "For example, right now, the next step is… to eat. Because I'm sure you're hungry again."

Viona laughed. "You know me too well."

"Of course," Steve grinned. "I know everything about my student."

They finally left the place and walked back around the city, enjoying the evening that was gradually turning into night. For some reason, Viona felt lighter. Perhaps it was because of Steve, maybe because of the music, or maybe because she finally allowed herself to breathe without burdens.

At least for now.

Steve smiled faintly before pressing the piano keys again, playing a melody familiar to Viona's ears. It was one of the songs they often played when Viona was still his student.

Viona turned to him with a surprised expression. "Seriously going to play this?"

Steve nodded without stopping his playing. "Why not? Besides, I'm curious if you still remember or not."

Viona sighed, then finally lifted her hands to the keys. "Alright. Don't blame me if I become better than the teacher now."

Steve chuckled softly. "I'd actually hope for that."

As their fingers began to dance on the piano keys, the sound of music filled the room. They played with such natural harmony, just like before. No words were exchanged, only the flow of notes that spoke to each other.

Viona felt comfortable. It was as if all the wounds and worries that had burdened her for the last few days evaporated with each note they played. She even smiled when Steve glanced at her momentarily, checking if she could still keep up with the rhythm.

The song ended with a gentle ringing, leaving a silence that felt strangely warm. Viona looked at Steve, who was now gazing at her with a satisfied expression.

"You're still good," Steve said.

Viona smiled faintly. "Of course. I'm a student of the best piano teacher."

Steve pretended to puff out his chest in pride. "Finally, you acknowledge it."

They both laughed softly, enjoying the moment. Without burdens. Without a past looming over them.

There were only them and the music.