Page 3 of Symphony of Salvation

Sighing, I handed Koa the program. “I know.”

“So you’re making noise for the sake of it?”

“Kindly shut up and let me wallow in self-pity.”

“Whatever your heart desires. We should go to that wine bar on Queen after. They have incredible appetizers. Jersey’s not a fan. He says it’s too upscale for him.”

“That would be lovely.”

“My treat.”

“Good. Can I cry on your shoulder?”

“If you must.”

I leaned my head on Koa’s shoulder, and he rested his cheek against my crown. My best friend was different from the man I’d known a year ago. Less closed off. Less distant. He smiled with a fraction more ease and spoke about the future with positivity and anticipation. Anyone who had known Koa for any length of time would understand the profundity of such change. Bleak and apathetic Koa, the reserved and mysterious man I’d once dated, who had frustrated me to no end, had been reborn. Although hemight never openly express joy or admit serenity, he was happy. Light gleamed in his eyes where there had once been nothing but darkness and buried pain.

If only I’d been the one to precipitate those changes, but I wasn’t. Koa’s reawakening had been aided by another man.

“What’s Jersey doing this evening?” I asked.

Koa huffed, the action jostling my head. “On a Saturday night in December? Need you ask?”

“Forget it. He’s at the hockey rink.”

“Of course.”

“Are you bringing him to the staff Christmas party?”

“That would imply I was going to the staff Christmas party.”

I playfully slapped Koa’s knee. “You’re going, and you’re bringing Jersey. I need someone academically inferior, so I don’t have to spend the entire night posturing among the crowd of walking doctorates who never fail to point out my shortcomings. It’s exhausting, and it hurts my ego.”

“No one does that, and I don’t appreciate you calling Jerseyinferior.”

“I said academically inferior, and he is.”

“He’s university educated.”

“But my master’s degree trumps his bachelor’s.”

“You’re a hypocrite.” Koa shoved me off his shoulder, checking the time on his phone.

“I’m allowed with him. Jersey doesn’t care about stuff like that.”

“Precisely. You shouldn’t either. The only reason people josh is because it offends you. If you’re unhappy with your education, go back to school.”

“I’m forty-four.”

“So?”

Facing the stage, shame burning my insides, I ignored Koa’s blatant stare and pointed remark. We’d had this argumentnumerous times. Acquiring a PhD was a ship that had long since sailed. I should have completed my schooling when I had the chance, but I’d eagerly ditched the books to start a teaching career, not realizing the regret that would follow years down the road.

The lights in the hall dimmed, warning the audience the show was about to resume. Those still returning to their seats hustled. The murmuring voices hushed. A stillness settled over the vast auditorium.

“So?” Koa asked again.

I stared at the grand piano, imagining the path I’d never taken. “She has another solo in the second half.”

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