The Piano
Ada’s hands flew wildly over the table as her head swayed rhythmically.
Alistair stepped closer, curious to see what she was doing. His wife had drawn black and white symmetrical rectangles along the edge of the table.
Ada had been unfortunate enough to have become mute at an early age, and now after their forced relocation she had obviously lost her mind, too.
‘Mummy can’t live without her piano, daddy,’ said Flora.
Alistair shook his head. ‘We had to sell it. We all had to make sacrifices when we lost everything.’
‘But daddy, we can speak about our feelings.’
****
This flash was inspired by my recollection of the film The Piano (1993) and very loosely based on Ada, the mute protagonist.
It’s a powerful and moving film about immigration, marriage, love, the power of music, cruelty, loss and recovery, among many other themes.
****
This post was written in response to Charli Mills weekly Flash Fiction Challenge. Do you love writing flash fiction? Pop over, find out more and join in! It’s a fabulous and supportive community of writers.
That was a good movie! Your flash would have reminded me of it even if you hadn’t mentioned it. Nice.
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Are you talking about ‘the pianist’?
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No. That’s a great film too, but I’m talking about The Piano, 1993, directed by Jane Campion. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Piano
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Oh.. and I liked your story.☺
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Thank you!
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The Piano was such a powerful movie with its sweeping musical scores. Your flash captures the heart of what it is to be able to express our emotions.
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Thank you, Charli. I also enjoyed the unusual/unlikely love story.
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Such a moving story.
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Thank you. It must be hard when you are unable to express yourself with those around you as you’d wish.
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This is just so touching in so few words!
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Thank you❤
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Lovely story, Luccia. I especially like the empathy and compassion shown by little Flora.
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Yes, Flora’s wonderful. Children are so perceptive of their parents moods and needs. I see it clearly now as a grandmother.
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Indeed they are! The wisdom of grandmothers is well earned.
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