text: My fingers were tapping against the study table. My eyes kept stealing glances at the laptop’s clock- five more minutes. This was agony. I let out a restless sigh. The house was quiet, except for the soft pitter-patter of the rain outside. The scent of burning Eucalyptus and mint drafted through the room from our open kitchen; her new favorite. It was definitely helping with my anxiety. I tried getting back to my thesis but in vain. Two more minutes now. I could take it no more so I get up and walk around the bedroom. I fluff up the pillows on the bedroom and cradle Genie, our tabby. He wiggles a little bit but suddenly settles in my arms. It’s time. I sit on the edge of the bed as I hear the tranquil piano break the silence of the house. This was my favorite part of the night. She warms up with some arpeggios- something technical she taught me which I still don’t get. I just know it sounds beautiful. I hear the creak of the peddle as her foot presses onto it. It’s a melody now. Soft, sweet and slightly melancholic. It was the first song she ever learnt to play on her own, and quite honestly a classic in my opinion. Like her, I never get tired of hearing her play it. The atmosphere suddenly shifts to something moody, eccentric. I know it’s something on the black keys. Oh, she’s feeling adventurous today! The last time she played that tune, we ended up baking a pizza at 3 am, almost started a fire, and then ended up falling asleep on the couch in each other’s arms. I wonder what will happen tonight. Genie purrs against me, and I gently stroke him. He’s feeling it too, the anticipation that comes with her playing. We never know what song she’s going to end with. The tone is a bit more uplifting now, hopeful. It’s happier than anything she’s played in a while. I’m thrilled; it’s a new song. It takes me a couple minutes to grasp the soft, hesitant voice suddenly accompanying the music. Genie lifts his head for a second, he’s surprised too. She’s singing! It’s the song she’s been listening to on repeat for the past couple days now, I’ve heard her try to sing it in the shower. This sounds more melodic, more feely. She’s unsure, I can tell, but she’s not about to stop. I softly place my tabby on the bed, causing him to utter a sound of displeasure. I quietly pad out to the living room, and hide in the shadows in the hallway. Her body was rhythmically swinging with the music. I could tell her eyes were closed based on the way her head was tilted back ever so slightly. She hummed the high pitched portions of the song, and sang out loud the verses. All of a sudden her back stiffens a little bit, oh no. She knows I’m behind her. Her voice lowers in volume and her playing gets choppy. Well, no use standing back here now. I walk up to her just as she hits the final chord, and releases the peddle with a loud clack. “That was beautiful.” She turns around on the seat to face me. I kneel down in front of her, and hold her tiny hand in mine. “Not really, I can’t hit the high notes.” She mutters shyly, looking down at our tangled hands. “So what, still sounded absolutely spectacular.” I look into her wide brown eyes. She smiles her half embarrassed, half proud smile. It was a private smile, reserved just for us alone. I raise our hands, and press a gentle kiss to the top of her hand. Her smile widens, and she leans down to plant a kiss on my cheek. “I love you.” I cradle her face with my free hand, and gently press my lips to hers. “I love you too, my dear.