Piano

Faint strains of the piano tinkled in the background. Her slender fingers skimmed across the keys, belting out a cheerless, melancholic tune. The stale stench of cigarettes and alcohol hung in the air. Dusty lamps cast a warm orange glow around the room, lighting up certain areas, darkening the already shadowy corners. The usual crowd had thinned due to the harsh weather. Most would rather stay home in front of the cozy fireplace with their family, drinking a steamy cup of hot chocolate. The only ones left were the loners, who had gotten so drunk that the barman had to kick them out before they cause a ruckus.

That lone barman now stood silently behind the bar polishing the beer cups with a grubby looking rag in a feeble attempt to appear busy. Swaying slightly to the sorrowful melody, he stacked the dusty cups behind the counter and began to polish the wooden counter-top. The ballad stopped in mid-tune as the lady reached up to adjust the microphone.

From afar, you’d think that there was nothing special about her. Up close, however, men and women alike were stunned by her subtle beauty. She wasn’t much of a head-turner, but there was a quiet grace about her in the way she walked, sat or just simply asked for a mug of beer. She made it sound like she was asking a favour instead of the usual demanding tone you’d normally hear from a buyer. Her hair was a flaxen colour which hung halfway down her back. It was mostly tied up or plaited, but kept out of her face all the same. She was petite and her eyes were in the most peculiar shade of green; at times it was a deep emerald colour, others, it was a clear turquoise shade. Her voice was gentle and dulcet, her snub nose and slightly full lips fitted her tiny, pale heart-shaped face.

The music commenced once more, she played a different song this time. Its tune however, held the same desolated, morose feel as the one before as she begin to sing a song never heard of before; her song:

I remember the time when you told me
That you couldn’t get enough of me
Even though we had just part
Did you know that those words touched my heart?

I remember that day you told me
That the best day of your life
Was everyday that you saw me
Did you know how blissful that made me?

I remember everything about you
Do you remember things about me too?
In my heart you’ll always be
Even though we’ve already part
I know I shouldn’t be saying this but
I miss you

I remember how you used to call me every night
But slowly, those calls somehow stopped
And even when I tried to call you
You couldn’t be bothered to talk

I remember everything about you
Do you remember things about me too?
In my heart you’ll always be
Even though we’ve already part
I know I shouldn’t be saying this but
I miss you

Now you’ve moved on, I see you with her
Does she make you laugh like I used to?
I see you holding her hand so tightly
And I really hope that you’re happy
Cause I know I’ll never be