The Shadow of the Piano: A Tale of Wendy's Musical Odyssey: contos, #1

By Ricardo Almeida

Embark on an emotional rollercoaster as you delve into the haunting experiences of Wendy, a young pianist whose life was dictated by her formidable mother's ambitions. "The Scariest Dream" is a poignant narrative that delves into the psyche of a young girl whose every step was planned, every note preordained, and every aspiration overshadowed by her mother's relentless expectations.

As the gripping tale unfolds, you'll witness Wendy's struggle to break free from the suffocating grasp of her mother's aspirations, all while grappling with her own desires and dreams. From her early childhood, where she was coerced into playing the piano against her will, to the tumultuous years at the music school, Wendy's journey is one of conflict, conformity, and eventual self-discovery.

Experience the tension as Wendy navigates the demands of her mother, a prominent figure in their town, and the weight of her own desires to pursue a different path. Witness the complexities of their relationship, where love and fear intermingle, leaving Wendy torn between filial loyalty and personal fulfillment.

Follow Wendy's journey as she grapples with her identity, torn between her mother's expectations and her own aspirations. Experience her resilience as she defies expectations, eventually finding solace and joy in the world of theater orchestras. Unravel the complex dynamics of ambition, love, and the quest for self-actualization in a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings and resonates with the universal struggle for autonomy and self-expression.

"The Scariest Dream" is a testament to the indomitable spirit that can emerge from the depths of adversity, reminding readers of the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one's true passions. A tale of personal triumph and the pursuit of authentic self-expression, this narrative serves as a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to find light even in the darkest of circumstances.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ricardo Almeida
• Release date: Nov 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223411307

Book preview

Table of Contents

The Shadow of the Piano: A Tale of Wendy's Musical Odyssey (contos, #1)

The scariest dream haunted Wendy for many years.

It was as if she was a graduate of a music school, going to her final concert, invited

to play the piano.

Wendy sat at the instrument and realized she didn't remember a single note.

She looked out into the hall in despair, where teachers awaited, her mother frozen.

And Wendy couldn't do anything.

Out of fear, she struck the keys, bam bam.

It was utter nonsense.

Chaos erupted in the hall.

Her mentor fainted, teachers held their heads, the director sat there, read with anger.

And her mother.

Her face contorted with a grimace of anger.

Wendy, she shouted loudly, you're talentless.

We're the most useless creature in the world.

Then the girl woke up, her heart pounding, hands trembling.

Yes, it was just a dream that came to her once a year, if not more frequently, but it

had receded for a couple of years now.

The last time it appeared was right before her mother's death.

Her mother.

Wendy loved her very much.

She loved and feared her at the same time.

She never spoke a word against her, it just happened that her mother decided everything

in her life.

Mrs. Wright was a dominant woman, accustomed to having everything in this life go according

to her rules.

When Wendy was six years old, she made up her mind, her daughter would become a great musician.

What instrument?

At first, Mrs. Wright wanted to see her daughter with a violin, but then someone told her that

all violinists send a punch-back.

They have to hold the instrument on their shoulder, which deforms their posture.

The bion, flute, accordion, and saxophone were mercilessly discarded during the planning

stage as well.

Exactly, Wendy would be a pianist, and not just any pianist, but the best one.

That's why, at the age of eight, Wendy's stubborn mother dragged her from the playground straight

to the music school.

No one really asked the girl if she wanted to play the piano, the main thing was that

her mother wanted it.

At that time, Mrs. Wright held one of the leading positions in the local administration.

She was known at the music school, and everyone would tremble in reverence when she appeared

at the Temple of Arts.

The teachers knew they had to be friends with Mrs. Wright, and then, who knows, there might

be some rewards in the form of a new musical instrument, a small school renovation, or

trips to different cities in our country.

Mrs. Wright was the right hand of the mayor of the city.

The teachers assured Wendy that she could succeed if she put in enough effort.

And what was left for the girl to do.

On one hand, her mother pressured her with constant admonitions that her daughter must

play, and on the other hand, the teachers whispered.

But Wendy wanted to run around with the girls in the yard, swing on the swings, jump from

the fence onto a pile of leaves, and chase pigeons in the park.

But no, she was the daughter of a respected and well-known woman in town, and therefore,

she had to live up to expectations.

And Wendy resigned herself to it.

She learned the notes, obediently tapped on the keys.

It didn't happen right away, but over time, she started to succeed, she truly became the

best student in the music school.

One could say that she even enjoyed it.

Yet, she counted the days when her ordeal at the music school would be over, but it

wasn't so.

After the 11th grade, her mother put the matter to rest.

Why did you spend eight years playing in the music school for nothing?

You'll only apply to the conservatory, her mother declared.

And Wendy had dreamed of becoming a veterinarian.

She attempted to mention it to Mrs. Wright and was immediately mocked mercilessly.

What animals?

Mrs. Wright couldn't stand any kind of pets in the house, not even fish, and she promptly

kicked out all the stray kittens and puppies along with Wendy.

The girl cried, but she carried them back to where she found them.

Sterilize cats and look under dog's tails?

No, absolutely not.

I didn't raise an only child for that.

You'll be a great pianist, period.

Just think about what your legendary father would say if he found out that his daughter

wanted to be a veterinarian.

It should be shameful.

Wendy just lowered her head.

She didn't know what her father would say, in fact, she didn't know him at all.

Only from her mother's words, she knew that her father was a pilot and died somewhere

in the north even before she was born.

Of course, as Wendy grew older, she understood that her father wasn't really a pilot.

Just one of her mother's suitors, who disappeared in an unknown direction as soon as he sensed

something suspicious, that is, her mother's pregnancy.

But Mrs. Wright also aspired to become a prominent figure in the city, despite being a single mother.

Of course, her grandparents, who had connections to her father,

connections to the party in their time, played a significant role in this.

They helped their daughter get back on her feet and raised their granddaughter, and then

departed to another world, leaving behind a good memory, respect, and a beautiful five-room

apartment in the city center, where Mrs. Wright and Wendy lived.

However, once again, Wendy didn't obey her mother and luck was on her