Every night, I’d sit on my porch with my old Gibson Les Paul, fingers gliding over the strings, bringing back memories. That guitar was all that remained from my music shop, which had once felt like the heart of my world. When I shut down the shop, it felt like I had packed away a part of myself, leaving just this guitar to remind me of when music meant everything.
One evening, while playing, I noticed a boy by the fence watching closely.
I recognized him as Tommy, the kid next door. He often hung around our place or with his older brother Jason who seemed to be raising him with a strictness that didn’t allow much warmth.
I stopped playing and waved for him to come closer. He looked nervous and glanced back at his house before stepping forward; his eyes were glued to the guitar as if it were something magical.
“You into music?” I asked while nodding toward the guitar.
He looked at me with hope in his eyes.
“Could you… teach me?”
“Only if you’re serious about it,” I replied as I held out the guitar. “Learning takes effort but if you want to give it a shot…”
His face lit up and he nodded eagerly reaching out with gentle hands. His fingers brushed against the strings and he smiled shyly.
Each evening after that Tommy came up to my porch where we sat in fading light; soft strums from the guitar filled our space together.
It wasn’t just how he held that instrument but also how excited he got whenever he learned a new chord or made smooth transitions. I’d never seen someone so dedicated especially not someone his age.
Then one day he showed up holding a glass jar tightly; it clinked as he walked proudly towards me.
“I’m saving up,” he said breathlessly cheeks slightly red. “For my own guitar! There’s this talent show coming up in a month! If I can get one then maybe… maybe I’ll play there.”
“It’s forty dollars,” he added finally looking hopeful yet proud at once. “Not enough yet but I’ll keep saving until next month!”
“Tommy wait here for just a sec.”
I bought him an excellent used guitar—not brand new but solid—one that would carry Tommy’s heart on stage beautifully when handed over to him; his eyes widened and mouth dropped open in disbelief.
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“For you,” I said firmly . “This isn’t charity okay? It’s an investment! You need work hard practice & show everyone what you’re capable of doing! Think you’re ready?”
“I promise Sam! Won’t waste this chance—I’ll practice daily & make you proud.”
He wasn’t just some kid messing around anymore—he found himself being heard now—and right then ,I knew nothing could stop him—not now nor ever!
After that day though ,something changed ;Tommy started pulling away.
For illustration purposes only One afternoon ,he dashed up steps crying hard .His face was twisted in pain making mine ache too
“Tommy? What happened son?”He wiped tears away quickly .”It’s Jason…he doesn’t want me playing anymore.”
“He says I’m not supposed look upto ‘some old man’… thinks he’s best teacher for life lessons instead ! Says should stop visiting here.”
Looking down at small shoulders shaking under pressure made feel heavy inside.”Okay Sam maybe he’ll listen.”
When we entered inside Jason stood leaning against doorframe already.
“What’s going on here?” His voice icy while staring straight through me .
“Jason please…I wanna play ! Sam has been teaching things making happy!”
Before anything else happened Jason lunged grabbing instrument slamming onto floor breaking wood loudly shattering air around us.I watched helplessly as pieces scattered everywhere!
Tommy fell down gathering broken bits desperately .
Tommy cradled it like treasure worth more than anything else ever could be…
“Thankyou.”
The day talent show arrived found Tommy fidgeting nervously backstage waiting.
Fingers shook slightly tuning Gibson carefully.
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SawJason sitting far back watching brother intently waited until exited stage approached slowly
“How about we jam together?” asked casually remembering song well enough right?
They went back onto stage starting off same tune played years ago when little boy gazed adoringly upward…
Once finished audience erupted louder applause than ever heard before.Jason hugged tight whispering softly,”I’m sorry.I know haven’t been best bro wanted be thought needed act father instead maybe should’ve just stayed brother.”
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As crowd quieted announcer stepped forward handing trophy crowning winner along scholarship music school—a great start ambitions ahead!
Excitement litup TommysfaceasJasons hand rested proudly shoulder knowing he’dbe ready wherever journey led next!
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