Farewell Performance
Originally posted on January 28, 2007, in two parts. Here I have combined the parts into one complete story, since they really do belong together.
Farewell Performance
On his last evening in our home, Kenzo favored us all with a beautiful farewell performance on his violin. Thanks to Beamlette for allowing him to visit for so long. Kaida thanks you too, although she’s not speaking to any of us right now…
Kenzo: This is from Mahler’s Symphony #5, the Adagietto for violin.
Kenzo: I know Mahler can be a little hard to appreciate, but couldn’t you stand to at least listen until the end?
(silence)
Kenzo: Oh. I see. Sorry to have bored you with my kind of music. Next time I guess I’ll stick to….……….Kaida?
(to be continued…)
Farewell Performance, Part Two
Kenzo: Come on, Kaida, it’s ok if you don’t like the same kind of music I do. Everybody has different likes and dislikes...and music can be real personal…. everybody…
Kaida: It’s not… it’s just…..
Kenzo: If you listen to it more, you’ll start to understand it better. Do you think you could try that? For me?
Kaida: It’s not …. that. Mahler’s great…. All your music….is just….great…..
Kenzo: Then why didn’t you stay to hear it all? Why did you leave before I could finish?
Kaida: (mumbles into his shirt)…made me….didn’t want….see me…..
Kenzo: I couldn’t hear what you just said. Come on Kaida. Talk to me, help me understand, okay?
Kaida: Didn’t want you to see me crying – again!.........Satisfied?
Asher: Kaida ok?
Kenzo: Wish I knew. She’s not talking to me.
Asher: Whoa, Kaida won’t talk?
Kenzo: Not so I can get what she’s really saying.
Asher: Best thing I can suggest is to leave her alone for a little while. If I know Kaida, it won’t take long until she’s ready to talk again.
Kenzo: Hope you’re right. This is my last night here and…. I didn’t expect to spend it with her mad at me.
Asher: Last night, huh? Hey, Kaida’s a smart kid. She’ll figure out she’s wasting your last evening together and she’ll be back real quick. Hang in there, kid. And by the way, it was a great concert. You play really well.
Kenzo: Thanks.
Kaida: Kenzo? I’m….. sorry.
Kaida: I was being a big baby.
Kenzo: You weren’t…
Kaida: Yeah I was. I behaved like a spoiled brat. All I could think about was that you are going home tomorrow and….. I don’t want you to!
Kenzo: I have to go, Kaida. It’s my home, and I belong there. I’m sorry…
Kaida: Don’t be. I…. it just hit me all of a sudden, and I kinda freaked out about it. I’m so sorry I took it out on you. Between the injuries and me yelling at you, you’ll probably be relieved to get home.
Kenzo: No…..I’m really, really going to miss you.
Kaida: Me too. Please, would you do something for me?
Kenzo: Sure.
Kaida: I…I want to hear the part I missed you playing… when I walked out.
Kenzo: Well, ok, if you’re sure, but I have something else I have to take care of first.
Kaida: What’s that?
Kenzo: Something better to think about…until the next time we’re together.