Sarah And Her Violin

• Liza Panova, Grade 6
• Short Story
• 2017

I was finally in France to show my talent for the violin. I was in my hotel room when I spotted a violin under my roommate’s bed. I was happy that she cared about violins like me and I was already planning on the songs we could play together. I got my own violin out and started tuning it. I did the four strings and then when I got to the last one, I started tuning it like I did to all the others when suddenly it went “Pop!” it snapped just like that, without any warning. I was nearly in tears as I remembered that I did not take spare strings. How could I have forgotten them? I could hardly think, because I knew the competition was tomorrow. I didn’t know what to do so I just sat there trying my best to think clearly when I had an idea. I had to ask Sarah to use her string. Just when I had planned what I was going to say, she came in. My hands heated up as I started talking.

“Um, Sarah,” I mumbled.

“ Yea, what?” she responded.

“Would I be able to have a look at your violin.”

“Sure.”

I opened the lid and took out the violin. I plucked the last string and that was all that mattered. It worked well. I mumbled my next words so quickly that she had to ask me to repeat myself.

“Could I please use your last string?” I repeated.

“Sure,” she replied.

That made me really happy. I made sure to invite Sarah for the concert and also pay for her entry fee. That I did.

Finally the big day arrived and I took out my dress and put it on. When I got to the concert I looked around, but there was no Sarah. When my piece was called I got onto the stage and then I saw Sarah walk in. She looked beautiful. That inspired me even more to do the best I ever would in my piece. Once I finished playing, I left the stage and sat down to listen to the rest of the songs. When the awards came, I couldn’t believe my ears, I came second. I was called up to receive my trophy with tears of joy in my eyes.

The time then passed quickly and all of a sudden, it was time to leave. I gave Sarah my email, a final hug and left. As soon as I got to the airport, my plane was called and I rushed to it. I fell asleep till it landed.

I then rushed off the plane and saw my parent’s car waiting for me. My parents were inside and I was so excited to tell them all about my trip that I just threw all the words out. I was very talkative on the way back home but slowly, I calmed down.

I don’t think I would have ever been happier with myself.