Chapter 202: What the Piano Knows

“This is what the showcase is about,” Professor Elena Markov said, her voice carrying clearly through the large rehearsal hall as she stood on the stage with confident, elegant posture.

The renowned pedagogue and Juilliard alumna had taught several now-famous concert pianists. Today, she was in full director mode, clipboard in hand and glasses perched on her nose.

“We are creating something unique, a fusion of live piano performance and original one-act theater pieces. Each pianist will be paired with a theater student or small ensemble. Your music will not be background. It will drive the emotion, the tension, the story. The audience must feel the piano as another character on stage.”

She gestured to the four chosen pianists standing onstage with their assigned theater partners.

“Mia Torres, you will score ‘The Last Letter,’ a story about forbidden love and sacrifice. Ethan Caldwell, you have ‘Echoes of Silence,’ a psychological piece about grief and guilt. Sabrina Langford, you will accompany ‘The Glass Cage,’ a dark, intense drama about control and breaking free.”

Sabrina’s face twisted in clear displeasure. She crossed her arms tightly. “The Glass Cage? That’s the most difficult emotionally and technically. Why did I get stuck with the heavy one while others get easier pieces?”

Professor Markov raised an eyebrow, her expression calm but firm. “Because you are technically the strongest pianist here, Sabrina. You can handle the complexity. The piece demands precision and raw power. I believe you’re capable of it.”

Sabrina muttered under her breath, “Of course I am. But still…”

Professor Markov continued without missing a beat. “And Leitana Ashbourne, you will score ‘The Farewell,’ a tender, emotional story about a daughter saying goodbye to her dying mother and finding hope.”

Leitana nodded quietly, nerves and excitement mixing inside her.

Professor Harlan, standing off to the side with the other faculty, scoffed quietly. “Why did Leitana get such a prominent emotional piece? She’s barely been here. Everyone knows she only got selected because of her billionaire husband. It’s unfair to the students who actually earned their place.”

Professor Markov shot him a sharp look. “Professor Harlan, we assign roles based on what serves the story best, not personal opinions. Leitana’s playing has a rare emotional depth that fits ‘The Farewell’ perfectly. Let’s focus on the work.”

Harlan muttered something under his breath but said nothing more.

“Alright,” Professor Markov clapped her hands. “Costume fittings are ready backstage. Pianists, you will wear simple but elegant black concert attire with subtle theatrical elements to blend with the scenes. Theater students, full costumes. We begin full run-throughs in thirty minutes. Go change and warm up!”

The group dispersed toward the dressing rooms.

Leitana changed into a flowing black dress with delicate silver threading that caught the light beautifully. It was simple yet graceful. When she returned to the stage, the theater students were already in costume, some in period clothing, others in modern but stylized outfits.

Sabrina emerged in a striking dark red gown that looked both elegant and intimidating. She still looked annoyed about her assignment.

The rehearsal began.

Theater students started running lines and blocking movements while the pianists warmed up. Leitana sat at her assigned piano, fingers gently touching the keys, heart beating fast as she tried to focus despite everything weighing on her mind.

But deep inside, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the dream about Arabella was more than just a dream.

The rehearsal was in full swing.

The large hall echoed with overlapping voices, piano notes, and the sharp claps of Professor Markov’s hands as she directed from the center aisle.

“Ethan, slower on the transition! The grief needs to breathe. Leitana, you’re too soft there, let the pain cut through. Sabrina, excellent power, but don’t overpower the actor’s line. The piano is the shadow, not the scream.”

Leitana’s fingers flew over the keys, sweat beading on her forehead. The emotional weight of The Farewell was draining, but she poured everything into it. Beside her, the theater student delivered her monologue through raw tears, and Leitana’s playing rose to meet her perfectly.

Markov corrected them relentlessly but fairly for hours.

“Again from the top of scene three!”

“Leitana, feel the mother’s last breath in the music.”

“Sabrina, you’re rushing the crescendo. Control it!”

By the time Professor Markov finally clapped her hands and called out, “That’s a wrap for today!” everyone was exhausted.

“Three more days of rehearsal,” she announced. “The showcase is this Saturday evening. Rest well, eat, and come back sharper tomorrow.”

The cast and musicians groaned in relief, stretching sore muscles and rubbing tired shoulders.

Leitana stood from the piano on shaky legs. She felt completely drained, emotionally and physically.

Mia wiped sweat from her brow as they walked out together. “I’m so tired. My arms feel like jelly.”

Ethan nodded, rolling his shoulders. “Same. That piece is beautiful but brutal.”

Leitana smiled weakly. “Mi feel the same. But it was good, right?”

Mia nodded. “Let’s go to the café. I need sugar and caffeine immediately.”

They met Mikey, Lila, Kai, and Theo waiting near the exit. The group immediately bombarded them with questions.

“How was it?” Lila asked excitedly.

“Stressful but amazing,” Mia answered with a tired laugh. “Dr. Markov does not play around. She corrected every single note.”

Theo grinned. “You all looked intense from the back.”

They laughed and chatted as they made their way toward their usual café across the street. Leitana glanced back and saw her three bodyguards following at a respectful distance, ever-present shadows.

When they were a little farther ahead, Leitana slowed down and looked at her friends seriously.

“Guys… mi need your help.”

They all stopped and turned toward her.

Ethan frowned. “What’s going on, Lei?”

She glanced nervously at her guards again, then stepped closer and lowered her voice.

“Mi need to lose my guards for a while. Mi want to investigate the rabid dog situation.”

The group stared at her in stunned silence.

“What?” Ethan stopped walking completely. “Why? What’s going on?”

Leitana took a deep breath. “Mi will explain soon. Please… can you help me?”

They exchanged uneasy looks.

Then Lila suddenly smiled, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes.

“I have a plan.”