Strings of Memory

Extra 1

But then, my worries were answered when Elliot approached us while we were having lunch in the cafeteria. He told Luna that he would join us, and I saw how his eyes softened when she hugged him.

Napatingin ako kay Wynther. He was just watching them, expression unreadable. Hindi ko mabasa kung anong iniisip niya.

Uh-oh. Sana lang ay hindi nito maapektuhan ang banda.

Not long after, Luna found a room we could use, and that's when we met Zeira—a girl who plays the guitar. We were amazed by how effortlessly she played, and as always, Luna didn't want to waste the opportunity. She tried to recruit her, but was met with an unexpected question.

"Do you have any intention of going pro?" the girl asked.

Natigilan ako. I didn't know how to answer that. Could I really do this professionally? Sure, I'm doing what I love now, but I can't guarantee that I'll be able to keep doing it. Dahil sa oras na malaman 'to ni Daddy, siguradong gagawin niya ang lahat para bitiwan ko ang pangarap ko. Just like before—when he threw away my piano and banned me from joining any competitions.

"We need to talk." May diin sa boses ni Luna nang makita niya ang naging reaksyon namin.

I swallowed hard but followed them as they grabbed chairs.

Luna started talking, and all I could do was stare at her.

She was right. Inspiring people through music had always been her dream. And if she didn't go pro, how else would she be able to achieve that?

She was right again when she pointed out—what's the point of all this if we're not aiming for something bigger? What's the use of dreaming if we're not willing to fully commit? What's the point of doing this if I'm just half-hearted about it?

My heart pounded loudly as I listened to her. My hands started sweating. When I opened my mouth, I told her a lie.

I didn't mean to. Maybe it was the nerves.

But at the same time, I also told the truth.

I told her that I've always loved performing. That I wanted to keep doing it.

A half-lie and a half-truth.

It was the first thing that came to mind. I didn't want her to know how much of a coward I was. I didn't want her to see that I couldn't stand up to my father for what I truly wanted. I didn't want to disappoint her.

We managed to say what needed to be said, and in the end, we agreed to go pro. And with everything almost falling into place, we had our very first performance.

It was nerve-wracking. The opportunity came too suddenly, but I guess I just have to get used to it—since this is Luna we're talking about. She's impulsive, always diving headfirst without thinking too much about the consequences. She runs forward without hesitation, no matter what obstacles stand in her way.

Our performance was heavily criticized by the vocalist. His words stung, but what hurt more was the reaction of the audience. They didn't look happy. They didn't enjoy it. And that realization hurt more than anything.

Then, out of nowhere, Wynther went to us.

It was so out of character, but I knew why he did it. He couldn't take what was happening in front of him anymore. Plus, Luna was crying. So he came up here.

I saw how gently he wiped her tears away. And at that moment, I knew—what he felt for her was getting deeper.

Wynther might act cold and distant, but he's kind. He doesn't show it often, but I can see his emotions in his eyes. He tries to suppress them, but there are moments when they spill out—just like now.