Hearts Remember What Minds Try To Forget by Rex Wilder 38

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The day I walked out of Vienna International Airport, dragging my suitcase, the sun broke through the clouds and warmed me, a long–lost sense of ease spreading through my chest. 

I was ready to continue my love and pursuit of piano in Vienna, the city of music. 

My rented apartment was in the city center. It wasn’t big, but it was clean and bright, with a decent piano and a south–facing floor–to–ceiling window. 

My favorite thing to do was sit by the floor–to–ceiling window on sunny afternoons and play piano. Sunlight poured through the glass, hitting the black and white keys. My fingers chased the shifting light, flying across them. 

All my emotions flowed out with the music. Day after day, the practice and melodies slowly brought peace to my soul. 

Months had passed since that shattered marriage ended. The initial pain and confusion were replaced by intense practice and the pure joy of chasing my musical dreams again. 

My days were busy and fulfilling. I was completely immersed in the world of music. 

Even though I sometimes woke up from nightmares in the dead of night, I could calmly wipe away my tears and remind myself it was all in the past. 

At the cafe, I finished my shift for the day. 

“Ella!” A deep, smiling male voice called out from the doorway. 

I turned my head. Noah Davis was leaning against the doorframe, dressed in a sharply tailored dark gray overcoat, smiling and waving 

at me. 

He was holding a delicate paper bag, wafting the aroma of freshly baked bread. 

“Noah, you’re here.” I smiled and nodded. 

I met Noah at a music salon. 

He was a pretty influential pianist in the area, and he was really moved by the raw emotion and resilient life force he heard in my playing–like I was breaking free from a cocoon. 

He appreciated my talent, but even more, he respected the strong core he saw beneath my soft, calm exterior. 

He subtly hooked me up with a few major performance opportunities, giving me a huge boost when I was just starting out. 

“There’s a new bakery that just opened on the corner. I swear, it smelled so good when I walked past, I practically swooned. You love croissants, right? Wanna try one and see what you think?” 

I tore open the bag and took a huge bite. The buttery aroma hit me instantly. The crust was crispy, but the inside was sweet and soft. I practically purred, my eyes half–closed, savoring every sweet, delicious moment. 

“Seriously, this is amazing! Best croissant I’ve ever had!” I gave Noah a thumbs–up. 

Noah watched me, totally lost in my food, a cute little grin playing on his lips, a flash of amusement in his eyes. 

“Knew you’d love it. Never doubted it for a second.” 

“Ella, there’s a really good piano duo competition coming up. Wanna team up with me?” 

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My eyes went wide. “Me?” 

“Yep, you’re the partner I’ve been wanting to try most, Noah said with a smile. 

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I thought about it for a sec, then agreed. I’d been grinding solo for ages, and I really wanted to see what it felt like to get back on stage and perform again. 

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