I left the Ark fuming and started wandering in the busy city centre streets, wishing that Alex would run after me to apologize. He did not of course ―I was the one who started the fight after all― and that made me even madder.
I walked and walked and walked, having no idea where I was going, until my feet grew heavy and I could walk no more. I stopped at a little square full of flower shops and little cafes and I sat on a bench to rest and clear my head.
And that was when I heard it. A clear male voice singing accompanied by the melody of a guitar.
When you try your best, but you don’t succeed
When you get what you want, but not what you need
When you feel so tired, but you can’t sleep
Stuck in reverse
I looked up. There, on the opposite side of the square, sat on a bench as well, was a young man. Messy light curls fell on his forehead and his clothes were worn. But he was smiling as he was playing his guitar and singing. And people stopped to listen to him.
I stood up and went to stand by the small crowd that was surrounding him.
And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can’t replace
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?
He had a truly beautiful voice. Deep and soothing. And little by little I forgot my anger, Rosie, my fight with Alex. It was about the music and this guy’s singing.
Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
He raised his head then and looked straight into my eyes.
And I will try to fix you
Such beautiful words, aren’t they? I smiled. Because somehow I knew he meant them for me. He finished the song and people applauded him and threw coins in the hat that laid in front of the bench. I wasn’t carrying much money, but I threw all I had in the hat, as well. It was great that he played this wonderful song of the 21st century called Fix You, by a group called Coldplay.
“Thank you”, I said.
He smiled at me.
It was getting dark by the time I returned to the Ark feeling light and bubbly. The others were waiting for me to have dinner all together.
“Hey, sis!” Max exclaimed as I walked in. “Where have you been? We were starting to worry.”
“Out and about”, I said unable to keep the smile off of my face.
Alex was staring at me.
“Everything OK, Phoebs?”
I nodded and my smile grew even wider. Alex looked confused.
“Lights will guide you home/And ignite your bones/And I will try to fix you…”, I sang to him and then walked past him and sat at the table. “So, what are we having for dinner?” I asked as if nothing had happened.
I stayed up all night that day downloading music. And from that day on, I always keep my music player and my earphones close by.
And whenever a day feels really crappy, I go back to that square and listen to Marcus ―that’s the guy’s name― playing his guitar.
That’s what music is doing for me; every time I am shutting down, it fixes me up.
Till next time, guys!