The Last Harmony

Chapter 1: A new beginning

It was just a fine Sunday afternoon. Nothing special. The whole house was so quiet. It was empty. I admit, I miss the laughs and the humming of the old man.

He was my father, Adam, died at the age of 60. A pianist. A legend. A hero, for me.

Today was his Burial. His good friends, co-workers, and students attended the service. They all mourn for my lost. All those tears are sentimental. I never imagined that many souls have loved my father.

He was a good man, and a good father. He raised me alone. When we lost my mom in childbirth, he said that he devoted his life in raising me and in music. I adored him in his passion. That made me learned his music in an early age of 10.

He said that he saw a potential in me so I should keep on practicing. He was also my mentor, and I dreamed to be like him when I grow up.

Everytime I play the piano, he's my inspiration. I dedicated all my music piece to him.

But I didn't notice.

I was so fond of him and his passion that when he left, my whole world collapsed. I can't sit in front of a piano anymore. My fingers can no longer move gracefully in any key. All I can feel is pain and longing.

I don't know if I can stay longer here. Seeing all his artworks in one place, his instruments, his music sheets.. I feel like someone is stabbing me.

"I am sorry." I whispered in the wind.

I already packed my things. I decided not to live here because everything only reminds me of my beautiful and sad memories with him. I still can't accept it. Maybe if I am ready, I can go back here with no weight in my chest. But I know that it will take many years.

"I will come back here, I promise." I mumbled as I sat in front of his favorite Steinway piano and glide my fingers in the key.

Maybe for the last time, I can play one of his favorite music. Lovely by Florian Bur and Tunes of Fantasy.

His favorite artist became my favorite artist because why not? All the music piece that he plays are soothing and relaxing. It has been my lullaby since I was a child.

I don't usually hear this anywhere so if there is a chance that I hear this piece somewhere, my father is the one I always first remember. His existence is everlasting to me.

I hope I had longer time with you. I hope we had a complete family with mom. I wish I saw your smile and hear your laugh, how happy you are when she's still here. I know how much you love her and how painful it is for you when she passed away. If I can only turn back the time, I would wish that I was not born so that she won't die.. so that you will be happier. I wish I had a choice.

Those were the words that I want to tell him today. I felt like I needed more time to talk to him before he goes, but life doesn't go that way.

As I strike the key with the last melody, I suddenly felt a heavy affliction in my heart. By just starring at my fingers in the piano, I can hear my dad's voice teaching me how to play and how to sing and how to love what I'm doing. I can hear him all over my head. His words are still alive with me.

I miss him.

I never realized that I miss him more than I knew when he left. But I have to move forward and continue with my life, even without his presence. I know that this is what he would want me to do, too. Now that he's with mom, I can say that I am happy for him. He deserves more than this world can offer.

I was startled when my phone rang. Maybe that was Shan. I was just waiting for his call before I go.

"Hello." I answered the call.

"Sorry, I'm late. You can come down now. I'm gonne be your driver for today, my friend!" He replied.

"Give me a sec," I covered the piano and locked the door of the room, and of the whole house. This will surely be abandoned for years. Then, I hurriedly went outside.

Shan is my childhood friend. He always visits me at home to accompany me when dad is busy with his work. He is the only one that my dad trusted. He knew that Shan is a good friend and I will be away from trouble if he's with me. Without knowing that Shan is also a naughty boy.

Funny, isn't it?

Shan and I have been friends for years and we celebrate every occasions together since child. We graduated together and got a job together. It's silly that he got kicked out of the job because of his stubbornness yet dad believes that he's the best friend I could ever have.

But he has a good and permanent job now.

"You better don't lose contact with me even if you live far away, okay?" he said while he's on the wheel.

"Why would I?" I said.

"I'm planning to marry Hally next year." I was not surprised anymore. Shan has a long time relationship with Hally, one of our college batchmates. She was his dream-come-true because the day Hally transferred to our university, he always had an eye on her.

I smiled while focusing on the road.

"You will be my best man."

"I know." I replied. "I will ruin your wedding if you replace me."

He laughed. "Even if you won't be there, I will never replace you."

"Why do I feel like you really do not want me to be there?" I joked. He glanced at me, smirked and laughed again.

Shan is a very light person. When you are with him, everything is light. He can make someone smile by just smiling. He is an attentive listener and he pays attention to anyone. He will laugh at your joke even how corny it is.

Apart from my father, he is one of my treasures in life.

"Always take good care of yourself, okay? If you ever need someone to talk to, when your days feel like a storm or you feel like heartaches are getting bad, call me." He reminded me when we get to the bus station where he dropped me off. I packed a simple snacks for him for when he drives back home. And I also gave him my dad's music sheet. I told him that I want him to keep it for now and I will take it once I'm healed from everything.

"And don't you hesitate, mate!" He added while showing me a call sign as we bid goodbye. I made him sure that I am counting on him cause that's what he is.

He didn't leave until the bus departed. He's such a loyal friend.

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Now, I'm on my own.

In a land where no one knows me. This will be a new life and a new world for me. I hope that I can found a home in this place.

On my first step to this place, the future is uncertain. I may not know what lies behind the door of my tomorrow but I know I can do this.