- user;; SilhouetteStation
name;; Vivienne
gender;; female
prompt;; (400/400)
In the gathering dusk, pale beams of golden sunlight were still splicing through the lavender clouds and dappling the spring grass below. There she sat atop the hill, wildflowers woven into her hair, and hands cradling the old guitar nestled in her lap. She gazed out over the town, full of houselights flickering like fireflies in the evening.
"Another year older, huh, Papa?" she said aloud, running her hand idly over the sleek wood of the instrument. Old, yes, but immaculately cared for. Her hands moved on autopilot to the correct positions and she plucked out a few soft, solitary notes. "I still remember when you bought this for me."
Excitement was fizzing in her belly, and she couldn't help but let out a high pitched giggle. Her hands reached up to touch his, big and warm and gentle, which were covering her eyes. "Can I look yet Papa?" she asked, stumbling forward as he guided her into the next room. He let out a low chuckle. "In a moment, my dear. Just a few more steps, and..."
His hands moved away, and she blinked a few times to clear her vision. What she saw made her gasp, and her small feet pattered rapidly across the wooden floor. She flung herself onto the tattered couch, and with trembling hands she reached out to run her fingers over the strings. Happiness rose inside her, bubbling and sparking and joyous, ready to burst out of her chest-
And then a moment of doubt.
She turned to him, eyebrows furrowing together and turning up in a concerned expression. "But Papa...how did you afford it?" At the best of times they were only getting by week by week, buying the basics for food, and mending the clothes that tore. A guitar...that had only ever been a dream.
"I've been saving," he said proudly, coming to sit beside her. "You deserve a treat, and...your Mama always wanted you to learn." She touched the locket hanging around her neck. Then she touched the guitar, and leant up to press a kiss against his scruffy cheek. "I love you, Papa."
"I love you too, my darling. Happy birthday."
Her eyes opened, tears thick on her lashes, bittersweet memories on the tip of her tongue. She reached up to touch the locket, now housing a picture of both her Mama and Papa.
And then she began to play.