g plastic shattered the

, her eyes dar

to shove the broken pieces of the

er voice came out raspy, scr

g in disgust. "Why did the front desk send someo

her throat. She reached into her pocket with tr

ly certified by the American Music Therapy As

on Carla's shaking fingers. His jaw ticked, the muscles j

relessly onto the top of the Steinway. She leaned her head

just to be here with us today," Charis said, makin

tissue inside her cheek. She bit it until she tasted the metallic t

voice cut through the room. It was devoid of any

se. She turned her back to them and face

ta for Eleni. It helps with selective mut

d sharply. Her tone was

d finger at the keys. "Pl

physical jolt of pain shot

sary," Charis smiled, looking up at J

n. She looked at him, silent

ockets. His face was a blank, unreadable mask. He stared

r message: You chose this

he black and white keys. They were shaking

o hard the tips of her fingers turned white. The h

a Brooklyn rooftop five years ago crashed into her brain. Juli

burned like fire. She bit her cheek harder, ref

ng her weight against Julien's chest. Sh

to Carla's rigid back. He watched the way her shoulders

The little girl shrank back, retreating to the f

pped her hands away from the keys

ng and falling rapidly. "The music introd

out a sleek black credit card, and tapped it against the edge of the piano. "Here is a tip," Charis s

in the air. It was

money. She grabbed her

she bolted for the hea