Strings of Memory

Chapter 18

Sabay-sabay kaming umiling.

"Actually, this is only the second time we've played together," sagot ni Rive. "The first was when we volunteered to play near our school. Since then, hindi na kami nakapag-practice dahil sobrang busy sa school works."

"That explains it. And you mentioned that you were just recently formed, right?" sabi ni Youssef.

"You really need to have consistent practice sessions dahil matutulungan kayo nito sa timing," dagdag ni Harrison. "There were moments na may nahuhuli o nauuna sa inyo. Do a lot of practice until those timings are beaten into your body. Hanggang sa maging muscle memory na lang siya-tipong before you know it, tumutugtog na lang kayo nang walang effort."

"A lot of practice," ulit ni Youssef, binibigyang diin ang sinabi ni Harrison. "Now, let's evaluate each of you individually."

Bumaling siya kay Rive. "I heard from Zeira that you're a pianist."

Tumango si Rive.

"That might be why you're pressing the keys much harder than necessary. You're good, I can tell, pero may mga times na masyado kang madiin, kaya lumalabas na mas malakas ang tunog kaysa dapat. There's also the risk of damaging the keyboard, so you have to be careful. I suggest you practice more with it. Kulang ka lang sa practice. I know naninibago ka pa, which is understandable since keyboards and pianos may be similar, pero magkaiba ang force na kailangan mo sa bawat isa. Once you get used to it, I know you'll be able to produce even more beautiful sounds."

Napangiti si Rive. "Got it," sagot niya, sabay bahagyang yuko bilang pasasalamat.

"Luna," tawag ni Harrison sa deskmate ko. "Walang duda, you have a beautiful voice. It's one of a kind-you can move people's hearts just by singing. Even we were affected. I had goosebumps the whole time I was listening to you."

Seryoso siyang pinakikinggan ng deskmate ko.

"But there's just one thing I'd like to suggest."

"Ano po iyon?" kunot noong tanong niya.

"You should consider learning how to play the guitar. It's not necessary, but it will add depth to your band's sound. Isipin mo-habang kumakanta ka, may additional layer ng instrument na pwede mong kontrolin. It'll give you more creative freedom." Sagot ni Harrison at marahang tinapik ang balikat niya.

She nodded. "I'll think about it. Thank you po," sagot niya, sabay ngiti-isang ngiti na nagpangiti rin kay Harrison.

"Wyn." Tawag ni Youssef sa akin, kaya naman napatingin ako sa kanya.

Looks like it's my turn now.

Seryoso siyang nakatingin sa akin, kaya hindi ko naiwasang mapalunok.

"You're still as good as ever," sabi niya. Pero imbes na matuwa sa narinig ay hindi ko iyon nagawa dahil seryoso pa rin siyang nakatingin sa akin.

"But your sound is still the same as three years ago. Hindi ka na nag-improve. You became stagnant." Dagdag niya.

Bumagsak ang balikat ko sa narinig. He's right, so I shouldn't feel bad-but I can't help it. And knowing that it's my fault hurts even more. I shouldn't have stopped playing. If I just kept practicing, I wouldn't have to hear this. Hearing it from him stings because he's also like a father figure to me. I know my dad would definitely be disappointed if he ever heard my sound now.

He patted my shoulders. "I know it's because you haven't played for the past three years, and we understand why. So, don't beat yourself up over it," he said, as if reading my mind. Then, to ease my worries, he gave me a reassuring smile.