Maestro

by Auden Dar

Chad’s wife.

mahal ko,

“I’d go wherever you are.”

“Well done,” she says. Wow. Strayer’s actually complimenting Chad, which is rare. “However—” The entire room gasps because what we heard was pretty damn perfect. “You were in tune. You played each note perfectly. But I’d like to hear a little more longing.”

“No one will ever love you and worship you the way I do.”

“I’ve lived without you before and I refuse to do it again,” he tells me. “I’m not giving up on us.”

“Whenever, wherever, I’ll be there for you,” he says.

“Whenever, wherever, I’ll be there for you too.” I mean every word.

Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours.

“Make sure you have control over your life. Some dictated it for years, but moving forward, be the conductor of your own life.”

“I’ll always love you, but I won’t wait for you.”

You’re not my lover anymore, but you’ll always be my best friend.

“Well, one tells the time zone I’m in. The other tells your time zone.” “Mine?” “Yes, yours.

“When I’m onstage, I perform for the audience. But—” He lets out a breath. “I play for you.”

“Forgiveness is one of the greatest acts of love.”

“I’m the boy who fell in love with you at thirteen, loves you at thirty-three, and who will love you until his last dying breath.”

Deep. Because I fucking love you. Merciless. How could you ever entertain another man loving you? Unforgiving. I’ve spent too many years away from you.

“You’re as essential as the air I breathe, the water I drink, the music I play. Without you, I’m barely breathing. Barely existing. I refuse to be without you.”

Take flight. Fall in love again. Leave your past behind and move forward.