The Piano Teacher -- Part Four

The Piano Teacher -- Part Four

"August 14th was the day Frances lost almost everything except for three things.   Frances' parents and younger brother died in an horrific house explosion and fire.   She was at a piano practice when it happened."  

"How awful.  To lose your family all at once."

"Movers had just left with their piano.  It was in need of minor repair before Frances' first east coast tour as an American protege.  She'd planned on using it on the tour.  The bust of Mozart was sitting on the front porch.  Apparently, her mother had taken it out there to clean it.   The bust served as an inspiration to Frances, so it would be traveling with her.  The story made many of the major newspapers."

David refilled his cup as well as Angela's.  He added more cream while she continued.

"So, Frances still has the piano and the bust, but the third thing that she kept... or gained maybe is a better term... wasn't visible at first.  It's only been recently... in the past 5 years... we have noticed that Frances' ability at the piano is still very strong... if not stronger.   She can sit and play music without sheet music.  And not just the classics but new songs as well.  Somehow she has become a living encyclopedia of music."

"Really.  From your notes, I understand she can play any piece of music composition."

"Yes.  She even can play songs that are on the radio right now.   She refuses to listen to one, but can play current hit songs of any genre.  Just the other day, I heard a new song on the radio.  I came in and she was playing it. I asked her how she new it.   Her response was 'It just came to me.'"

"Has someone being smuggling music in?"

"No.  We've watched and limited the staff that sees her."

"And what about the students?

"No, they aren't allowed to take anything in with them."

"Very strange..."

"And how about this delusion that she's killed her students?"

"As you read, it's all in her head.  No students have died.  She just imagines it.  We think it's a form of anger release.  Johnny Watkins left the other day after his lesson fit as a fiddle."

"So, in order to support her care, you have allowed her to provide music lessons to kids."

"Yes, parents pay big bucks and all are very satisfied with her teaching ability."

David scratched his head.  "Strange.  Very strange.  Have you ever thought of letting her... go out on her own?"

"Yes, in fact, we tried to release her, but no family member would take her.  They were afraid she really would kill a student.  Plus, she likes it here."