Page 52 of King

I nod and go to the kitchen.We picked up some groceries on our way to the cottage, and I took out the ingredients for some Thai Yellow Curry and rice that I planned on making for a late supper.

The cottage is nice, larger than the one we had before, and most of all is a great view of the shore, the surf and the sky beyond.In the living room, off to one side, is a baby grand piano — something that neither of us expected.

I wonder, when I see it, whether Harrison will actually sit down and play.

It’s something he’s avoided since Liam died, and I know it will hurt to actually play the music he knows, since both he and Liam took lessons together.It will remind him of a time before their life was shattered and both were sent to foster care, and then Harrison was sent to juvenile detention.

He’s standing beside the piano, softly touching the keys.It’s one thing he hasn’t really done since I met him, except for that one time he played for me when we were first together.

He usually avoids the piano, as if playing it is too painful.I go to him and stand beside him, stroking his back.“Play something for me.”

He takes in a deep breath and sits down, like he’s been planning to but needed the extra push to actually do it.

“What should I play?”

I stand closer and think back to the time when I first heard him play and how entranced I was.

There he was — a beautiful, handsome, brave, strong man who played the piano by ear, and yet couldn’t bring himself to play one particular song.

“Play your favourite piece,” I say softly, wondering whether he’s more able to play now than he was when I first met him.

He smiles to himself and then places his hands on the keys.After a moment, his eyes close as if he’s listening to the music in his head, and he starts.

Clair de lune…

The end of Part Four.