The Piano
A Story Every Day in 2024 May 5th 126/366
The home was full of the noises of people who were in their own world. Steady hums leading to screeching crescendoes. A random shout of a name. Mutterings. Flatulence, released unknowingly. The TV blared; some gaudy game show and a presenter with unfathomably white teeth.
In the corner sat a piano. There had been a volunteer who had come in and played old style tunes and the cadence of withered old voices, rising in song would fill the common room and make for a brighter day for all. No-one knew what happened to him. His number was vacant.
Madge was kicking off again and there was a flurry of activity as the care workers came to talk her down.
Madge had loved the pianist. If she could remember him, she'd tell you that she missed him. Instead, all she had was a void, where if that music was to return, it would gush into it and fill it, and she would feel its restorative and calming powers and her soul would swell with each tinkling musical drop.
They never knew what set Madge off. With high staff turnover, there was no-one who had been here at the time of the pianist to know Madge would settle to a tune.
Doug, who was no trouble, in his brown slacks and his oversized slate-blue cardigan, had been pushed before the piano whilst the care workers went to Madge as she railed, shrieking in angst unknown. Her gnarled hands were curled in frustration as she hollered and the other residents shrank at the cacophony of noise that had risen above the TV.
A finger reached and caressed a white key before pressing it down. The note was unheard at first over the furore but then, a melody emerged. And it gained speed, and its notes ascended and, like swirls of brightly coloured ribbon, moved around the room, tickling and taunting, beguiling with its surprise appearance.
And Madge calmed and stopped railing and sat, a mystified smile on her face, which spoke of respite from an insular world which had become confusing and unfamiliar.
Concert pianist Doug did what he'd always been born to do but to a new audience.
***
366 words
My nan had dementia and this disease makes an appearance in my works; not regularly, but enough to cast a shadow.
I was also inspired in the feel of this story by Awakenings by Oliver Sacks, which was made into a remarkable film with Robert De Niro and the late Robin Williams. If you've not seen it, I would urge you to give it a go!
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
126/366
Keep reading
More stories from Rachel Deeming and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Forced Compliance Not Necessary
Some people knew this would happen. The chips in our heads, I mean. Everyone laughed. Isn't that funny? The crazy part: even the conspiracy nuts had a mobile phone. Everyone walked around with the "chip" glued to their hand, eyes glued to chip.
By L.C. Schäfera day ago in Fiction
Fiction
In the clamoring city of New Asylum, settled among transcending high rises and clamoring roads, lived Dr. Evelyn Carter. Dr. Carter was a splendid researcher, famous for her pivotal exploration in quantum mechanics. Be that as it may, in the midst of the honors and acknowledgment, she held onto a mysterious fixation - time travel.
By gohar gohar6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (15)
Got behind on my readings, so everybody has said what I wanted to say. Suffice it to say, that I loved your story!
I just watched it, I hope they got Oscars or something. Especially Dinero. What a performance his was. You write so eloquently, the emotions stir and the words resonate the feelings of the characters. Lovly.
Like many others who have commented before me, I’ve had loved one who’ve has dementia or Alzheimer’s so this struck a familiar heartbreaking chord. Beautifully done, Rachel!
This is so lovely. My Mom has some similar stories from her time as a nurse in a cardiac unit- some elderly folks who seemed mentally gone, suddenly made alive again by music.
What a beautiful story! The power of music is amazing… especially in reaching people like this! Long term memory often allows old folk to sing hymns & songs from their youth. Wonderful. Sorry that your Nan suffered in this way.
Oh, Rachel, this is so well presented and so poignant. My mother-in-law lived with us for a few years before we just had to place her in a care facility, so your story brought back trying times. But all the reasons we as humans must endure include taking care of each other and that is uplifting. Kudos!
Oof. Tough read. My grandmother had dementia too. Your story was excellent and I was definitely transported back to my visits. Some care homes had a lot less care than others. You wrote this with such genuine compassion and empathy. Wishing you all the best Rachel.
Absolutely warm and soul feeling, it. Touch the deeper part of my gut. Rachel, I Love and look forward to your work on a daily, thank u for blessing us with your creativity, also my nana suffers from Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, I strive to make the best of life in this changing time with her, u made my day once again, Thank you!
Props to anyone who can take working in a nursing home. Your story told a touching story as always, Rachel.
Well-wrought! The way this story unfolds literally turns a frown upside down. This is so well done, Rachel! Agreed about "Awakenings".
That ending tho…
Beautiful tale, Rachel! Awakenings was a truly extraordinary story!
I loved the ribbon simile Rachel!! ☺️ 🎹 ..is Doug a resident too? I use to really like awakenings as a kid - such a good movie. Seen it many times since! Hope you are keeping well & downing all those ‘energy’ drinks for all these micros! 😉
I love the way you illustrate that transformative potential. Like the idea of a pudding stomach, the memory seems to have a special section for music.
This was so emotional. Loved your story so much!