Page 164 - Musings 2021

friend’s daughter, as if I were your own. When I had no motive and nothing to look forward
to in the future, you introduced me to my best friend, my violin. I watched you play and
amaze crowds. I had my role model. I had someone I looked up to. You always looked so
joyous. They say happiness and smiling is the best medicine, that it is an indicator of
everything being alright, yet you left me. (She clenches her fist, punches the ground and
begins to speak louder.)

How dare you leave me after feeding me false promises? You showed me light and left me in
a place darker than ever. If you claimed you were happy, then why did you leave me? Why
did you lie to me?

Judge 2: Olivia, we are waiting. Please begin your set soon.

Olivia: (whispers) Why did you... (She begins playing by moving the bow of her violin,
making a very coarse and unpleasant sound, as a teardrop falls off her face)

Judge 2: (whispers to the other judges) Wow, this is disappointing. The gossips were right;
she really is a washed-up violinist now.
Judge 3: (sighs) So much potential. Such a loss.

(Olivia’s mother gets up holding her face full of tears and runs out)

Olivia’s ghost: (looks up and sees her teacher’s ghost in a wheelchair) Teacher!

(The teacher moves across the stage on a wheelchair as Olivia’s ghost stretches her hand out
towards him, but he doesn't notice and continues moving past. There is a blank expression on
the teacher’s face.)

Olivia’s ghost: Please don’t leave me again, wait for me. WAIT! I am sorry I couldn’t take
care of you. I am sorry I didn’t know you weren’t truly happy. I am sorry (begins sobbing) I
couldn’t stop you from taking your own life. I didn’t know…

(Olivia pauses playing for two minutes)

Olivia’s ghost: (in a monotonous tone) I have a confession to make. A reason why this hurts
me even more is that I knew that you were sad. (Speaks after taking a deep breath) I
overheard you speaking on the phone the other day about your sleepless nights. I heard your
anxiety was taking over you and I heard that it was driving you crazy.

Olivia: (hand holding the bow drops to her side) It’s my fault... (Voice drowns)

Olivia’s ghost: I ignored it because I wanted to think about nothing other than my violin. I
had no time for anything. In my pursuit to the top I didn’t care to stop and listen to you. My
teacher, now that you are gone I have no idea if I even deserve to touch this violin, let alone
graduate. How could I do this?

(Teacher enters, nobody except Olivia’s ghost can see him. This time he is smiling)

Olivia’s ghost: (feels a hand touch her shoulder and gets startled) what!

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