Past
(Group 11.8)

Daniel felt the corners of his mouth tuck as he looked up at his piano teacher. He didn't like many people, but he secretly adored the woman. She was thoughtful and kind, and she was probably the first person who didn't treat him as "the child of someone important."

"Excellent job today, Daniel. I can tell you've improved this month." Daniel's ears turned red. The woman looked at her watch and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Our next lesson will be on Sunday next week she said as she moved to stand up, but a hand was placed on her arm. ”Don't…..” Daniel frowned and muttered the next few words while looking down at the piano. "Could you stay a little longer?" She smiled sadly, apologized, and left, saying she had more students to teach but that she would bring him some sweets the next time.

Daniel fixed his gaze on the wall of the music room. He could hear the house staff working below and knew his parents would be working until late at night. He stood up, closed the piano lid, and left the room, feeling a sense of loneliness that he could not place.