Chapter 30 - The Broken Metronome
During her junior year, Sophie hit a wall.
She was preparing for an audition for a prestigious summer music program, and the pressure she was putting on herself was immense.
Richard woke up at 2:00 AM to the sound of frantic, repetitive piano playing. He walked downstairs to find Sophie in tears, aggressively smashing the keys as her antique wooden metronome clicked relentlessly beside her.
"It has to be perfect!"
Sophie sobbed, slamming her hands down in frustration.
"If it's not perfect, they won't accept me!"
Richard walked over, reached out, and caught the swinging arm of the metronome, silencing its demanding tick.
"Perfection is a myth, Sophie,"
Richard said softly, sitting on the bench beside her.
"You spent your childhood trying to be perfect to survive. You don't have to do that anymore. Music isn't about hitting every note flawlessly; it's about telling a story. Tell them your story."
Sophie leaned her head against his shoulder, letting out a long, exhausted sigh.
"I'm just so tired, Dad."
"Then go to sleep,"
May you like
Richard murmured, kissing her hair.
"The piano will still be here tomorrow. And so will I."
