Music in My Heart: My Journey with Melody

On Monday afternoon, we’re back at the church with the Student Walk to Freedom Club. The pile of envelopes on the table makes me proud. Melody licks the last envelope and seals it shut, hoping this works. Yvonne thanks all the volunteers, saying we helped Black students get a good education and learn about Black leaders in history, so they can believe they might become leaders too.

I let Yvonne’s words sink in. I already feel like a leader. Dad would be proud of me for getting involved and for telling Melody’s family what I found in that book instead of pretending I didn’t see. Mom would be proud too. Then it hits me how much I miss my parents: it’s time to go home.

When everyone leaves the community room, I break the news to Melody. She’s sad, but just as proud of what we accomplished together. Melody offers to wait with me until my parents arrive, but I tell her no, that would only make it harder. Leaving my new friend is hard, so I keep the goodbye quick, like ripping off a bandage.

After Melody follows Yvonne up the stairs, I sit at the piano and hum the melody for “Lift Every Voice.” This time, the voices floating around me belong to the people I’ve met on my journey, Melody’s pure, sweet voice, and even Lila and Yvonne, doing their sister-thing.

I know I’m home when I hear the ding of my phone. It’s probably Anika, but I don’t stop to answer. Instead, I fling open my bedroom door and race down the hall. When I see Mom again, I want to tell her I’m proud of her, proud that she’s a principal who fights for kids to get a good education.

When Dad gets home, I plan to ask about his job. Knowing girls like Melody and me can make a difference makes me wonder what else I can do in my hometown. He’ll have plenty of ideas, and I have a few good ones too.