Beauty within the storm

 Chapter Two – A Secret Path to Music

The following Monday, I dressed early, prayed shortly, ate breakfast, and went to wait for Annie at our usual spot. I could not go to her house because of her parents. I waited more than thirty minutes, singing softly to pass the time, until Annie finally arrived.

“What took you so long?” I asked.

“Lyra, I’m sorry,” she said breathlessly. “I woke up late, and Mom delayed breakfast.”

“It’s fine,” I smiled. “Let’s go.”

As we walked, I told her about my failed attempt with my mother. Annie listened quietly, then suggested, “What if you start saving your lunch money? Since you usually eat breakfast before school, you won’t starve. With time, you can buy your own flute.”

Her idea struck me like light. “That’s true! Annie, you’re such a good friend.”

That day, I also planned to speak with our music teacher, Uncle Sam. He was skilled in playing flutes and many other instruments. When break time came, Annie followed me to his office.

“Uncle Sam,” I said nervously, “I want to learn how to play the flute.”

His face brightened. “I’m glad to hear that, Lyra. But you must know—the process is not easy.”

“I am ready,” I said with determination.

From that moment, Uncle Sam began teaching me using his own flute. The first stages were hard, but because of my passion, I learned quickly. Annie was happy with my progress. I decided not to tell my parents yet. They would only find out once I had my own flute and could fill the air with sweet, melodious sounds.

One day, I told Annie, “I will not just play the flute for sound. My music will bring healing—touching humans, animals, and even spirits.”

She looked at me in awe. “Hmm… Lyra, you’re really serious about this flute stuff!”

Still, there were times I grew tired, feeling I wasn’t learning enough. To improve, I searched online for tutorials. Uncle Sam encouraged me, pushing me to be better. Then one surprising day, he handed me an envelope at school.

“Don’t open it until you get home,” he said.

I was restless with curiosity. I showed it to Annie. She urged me, “Open it and see.”

I couldn’t wait. Tearing it open, I found a note and a small sum of money. The note read:

“Dear Lyra, don’t be surprised at what you see. I could have bought you a flute, but add this little money to your savings and get one yourself. That way, you will practice anytime you wish.”

I leapt for joy, shouting and dancing on my way home.

I could hardly wait to get home. As soon as I arrived, I counted the money from Uncle Sam and added a little I had saved. The next day, I hurried to the music shop and bought my very first flute. It gleamed under the shop lights, smooth and ready for my fingers.

That evening, I held the flute close and whispered to it, “We’re going to make magic together, you and I.”