The Cellist of Sarajevo

by Steven Galloway

He laughs, not because it’s funny but because it’s true, and he stands there, Emina’s hand on his back, glad for the first time in a long while to be alive.

What events can dull or awareness of the joy of life and does it take almost losing your life to bring that back to your consciences

you face the terror that must come with knowing you’re about to die for the sake of one last glimpse of life? Dragan is surprised to find his answer is yes.

One last glimpse relative to your current existence and your perception of your future.

And if Arrow disappears, she knows she’s killing that girl. She will not come back.

Why

None of this matters to Kenan anymore. He stares at the cellist, and feels himself relax as the music seeps into him. He watches as the cellist’s hair smoothes itself out, his beard disappears. A dirty tuxedo becomes clean, shoes polished bright as mirrors. Kenan hasn’t heard the cellist’s tune before, but he knows it anyway, its notes familiar and full of pride, a young boy in a new coat holding his father’s hand as he walks down a winter street.

Transforming music Albinonis Adagio

Kenan watches as his city heals itself around him.

She sees the sniper they sent to kill the cellist, his eyes closed, his hand at his side. She hears music, and, this time, she does not fire. “No,” she says. “I won’t.”

A reminder of the commonality between all people gives rise to possible forgiveness??