Mia worked tirelessly and eventually succeeded in passing the municipal orchestra’s examination, earning her place as a second violinist.
On the day I introduced her to the orchestra, Lennon happened to be there.
He was seated cross-legged at the center of the stage, carefully wiping his flute. His eyes glanced at Mia Blake, cold and dismissive, but he said nothing.
Mia hesitated, clearly intimidated and began to retreat. But I stopped her, holding her steady before gently pushing her forward.
Fear lingered in her eyes, but she mustered up her courage and stepped toward him.
"Mr. Sullivan, I am Coach Claire’s apprentice. Please guide me in the future."
Lennon did not even look up and continued to meticulously clean his instrument.
After a long pause, he finally uttered a sentence. "No need for me to guide you. The violin and I don’t collaborate."
"But as a second violinist, your job is to assist the first violinist."
From across the room, he gestured toward me, his voice laced with a casual warning.
I had thought the thrill of their first meeting would linger indefinitely and that I would continue mediating between them whenever necessary.