Chapter 700:

Elyse opened the case to check the violin was safe, then suggested, “Pearce, could you take me to Grandma’s window?”

Confused, Pearce asked, “What do you plan to do at her window?”

Pulling out her violin, Elyse played a few notes and smiled. “I want her to listen to me play.”

Pearce grimaced. “Perhaps that’s not a good idea. She despises the violin. Playing it outside her window will only anger her.”

Elyse nodded. “You might be right, but I still need to play for her.”

Pearce was puzzled. “Why are you so intent on playing for her?”

Elyse asked, “Do you really believe she hates the violin?”

Pearce remained uncertain. “Isn’t that the truth?”

Elyse tilted her head, her smile bright. “I don’t think so, but I’m not interested in finding out the real reason. I just want to fulfill his wish.”

Seeing the resolve in Elyse’s eyes, Pearce asked, “‘Fulfill his wish’? Who asked you to do this?”

Elyse placed a finger to her lips, then explained, “Pearce, just take me there. Once I’ve done this, I can head off to the competition abroad without any lingering regrets.”

Unable to deny Elyse, Pearce grinned affectionately. “You little mischief-maker. Fine, I’ll support you in defying Grandma just this once.”

Elyse chuckled and followed Pearce to another part of the garden.

She gazed up at the closed second-floor window and whispered confidently, “She’ll hear it.”

The night was starlit, and a chilly breeze set the perfect scene for a farewell. Elyse moved forward a few steps, positioned herself under the window, and readied her violin. Moments later, the air was filled with the sweet sounds of her playing.

The piece was “Melancholy Serenade.” The tune carried a deceptive liveliness, as though it were laughing, but a closer listen revealed a profound sadness beneath. No joy was untouched by sorrow.

Pearce watched and listened, his arms crossed. After a while, he glanced up at the second-floor window, half-expecting Felicia to appear, drawn by the music. Elyse played with intense focus, aiming to connect deeply with the music and grasp Rickey’s sentiments. This was Rickey’s desire—to play this piece for Felicia.

Why “Melancholy Serenade?” There were surely better choices to reflect Rickey’s feelings. If it had been up to Elyse, she would have picked something more direct to express love and emotion for a sorrowful mother. The emotions conveyed by “Melancholy Serenade” seemed too indirect. Didn’t Rickey worry that his mother might not grasp its depth?