The Music OF LOVE

When concert pianist Zena returned home, it was time to think about her future

- Jane Ayres

It was a beautiful sunny afternoon as the taxi left the airport, the driver weaving skilfully through the May bank holiday traffic. Perched on the back seat, Zena chatted on her ancient phone to her older sister Tulip.

‘I'm on my way back. And I've got plans,’ Zena announced.

‘Glad to hear it, sis,’ replied Tulip, her voice cutting in and out. ‘Sorry, the signal is bad this end’

‘And my battery is low,’ said Zena. ‘Technology, eh?’

‘I bet you've still got that dinosaur phone,’ teased Tulip, laughing. ‘I can’t wait to see you later. It’s been ages. The spare room is ready. Help yourself to whatever you find in the fridge.’

Zena was glad she'd kept a key to Tulip’s cosy house. Wherever she'd travelled, her big sister always kept a bed for her here in their home town. Eventually, Zena intended to find a place to rent - perhaps one of those new apartments overlooking the river - but for now, like her outdated phone, Zena needed to recharge.

Tucking the phone inside her rucksack, she was fuelled by thoughts of renewal and ready for fresh challenges as she approached her 48th birthday.

She'd just spent six months touring the world as accompanist to virtuoso soprano Sophie Baynes, and it had been an incredible experience, exciting but exhausting. Zena pressed her face to the window as the black cab passed through familiar streets. Memories - some she'd tried to forget - inevitably resurfaced. Perhaps it might be harder than she thought to navigate the past. After all, you never truly forgot the heartbreak of romantic betrayal, even if it was long ago. However, today, Zena resolved only to focus on positive memories.

The taxi turned into a street she'd cycled along as an eager 21-year-old, looking forward to her piano and composition lessons in Orpheus Tower with Gracie Gordon, the inspirational teacher who had opened her mind to a host of opportunities.