Katie and the Grand Piano

Not long ago, probably when your parents were small babies, a child named Katie lived in an old gray house with the walls scratched and peeling.
Katie hated playing music of any kind, whether it was drums or flute, saxophone or oboe; but most of all, Katie hated piano.
One bright, moonlit evening, Katie’s mother said as she tucked her into bed, “Katie, we are moving to a new house in one week. You will love it.” But Katie decided that she wouldn’t love it. Katie was a very stubborn little girl.
As the moving day grew nearer, Katie decided that she was glad that they were moving, since there would be no more band classes at her new school. In fact, she was delighted.
The big day finally came, and with it came excitement.
“Katie, did you pack everything that you are taking?”
“Yes, Mum.” Katie answered, lugging a roll-along suitcase down the stairs.
“Fine. Then we’re all ready to go.” Said her dad, checking to make sure they hadn’t left anything behind.

***

Later, in their new neighborhood, Katie’s family pulled into the driveway of the dark, wooden house.
Katie stepped through the door, and gasped at what was in the dining room.
It was a grand piano.

Gradually, over the weeks, Katie got used to it being there, but wouldn’t accept it for part of the house. In fact, she totally ignored it.
But one evening, while they were all eating supper, Katie’s mom brought up the subject of the grand piano.
“You know,” she said “I was thinking that Katie should try out that piano, or it will do us no good just sitting there.”
Katie was not happy.
“I agree!” said her dad cheerfully
“So do I.” Said her brother, just to bug her.
“Arrggg!” yelled Katie, who stomped up to her room.
Katie’s mother was very pleased with her idea, and started classes for Katie with an old lady who didn’t know a metronome from a dynamic.
Katie dreaded Monday mornings at 9’o clock, for that was when she took her lessons.
One day, while practicing gloomily, Katie saw a piece of paper sticking out of a crevice on the side of the grand piano.
“I wonder what this is?” she thought to herself as she carefully pulled it out.
Katie read the note, or letter, since it was addressed to somebody.
It read:

Dear Musician,
Please make use of this wonderful gift that has been sent to you, but remember that time is your enemy. Some other little musician will need it a-fter you, so use your time with it wisely.

With love; Ludwig V. Beethoven

Katie gasped. Beethoven had given the piano to her? It seemed too weird to be true, but it was, for Katie became a piano teacher after many years, and studied music and piano.
But one tragic day, the grown-up Katie entered her music studio, and saw that the time had come and gone for her owning the grand piano, for it had disappeared.
“How do you know all this?” you may ask.
Well, because I was the little child that got that grand piano next.


THE END