For my Grandma and Grandpa Rawson who showed me that though the mind may forget the heart plays on
Part I Believe
Chapter 1 Patience whispered Dad The music’s coming I promise There’s something about that moment right before the first star appears in the sky It’s like at an orchestra concert when the conductor raises his hands and everyone is hushed not even breathing waiting for that very first note to wash over them At my first concert with Dad the conductor paused on the stand for what seemed like forever It went on so long I couldn’t help wiggling in my seat I lean back against the rough bark of an almond tree feel the chill of the breeze across my face and hear something like those words again Except this time it’s my best friend Sofia saying them It’s coming Kate She rubs her thighs to warm them up It won’t be long now I promise Sofia gets a daily email about the night sky and when certain stars will appear It’s never wrong Ever But that doesn’t mean Sofia can’t remember it wrong I’m about to say so when she shouts Look There it is She points at a bright star hovering above the orange line of the horizon
tight as we can making a wish to me again The scrunching part is very important when I hold my breath and those words come back I look at my watch Right on time Sofia laughs and bumps her shoulder against mine Told you Make a wish We both close our eyes scrunching them as The music’s coming I promise But the only person who can bring the tinkling crashing zipping soaring sound of music back into my life is Dad Please please please I whisper Beside me I hear Sofia mumble Por favor I open my eyes and see her clasping the cross hanging from her neck It’s not a prayer you know Sofia opens one eye Sshh You’re breaking my concentration What kind of wish are you making A big one Obviously Now quiet She rubs her thumb along her cross a couple more times mouthing something I can’t make out before sighing and looking at me There She drops her necklace Why were you praying
