Music in My Heart: My Journey with Melody

I suggest “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” since I have it memorized and don’t think I’ll mess it up. Melody says it’s perfect, and Val knows it too, though she chews a fingernail like she has second thoughts she won’t say aloud. The three of us walk toward the stage, and when Melody squeezes my hand, I get a burst of courage and march forward too.

My legs shake as I climb the three steps. I’m glad to have a piano bench to sit on. Melody and Val have to stand at the microphone, which I could never do. My heart pounds as I play the first notes, then Melody’s sweet voice pipes out, joined by Val singing softly in harmony.

I glance at my two new friends and catch Big Momma’s face in the crowd, beaming with pride, clapping her hands together and raising them toward us like she’s sending a hug.

As I near the end of the song, I realize something. I can’t play it all the way through. Finishing it will send me home, and I’m not ready for that. But I can’t just stop either, since this is Melody’s big moment to shine, and I don’t want to ruin it for her or Val. A trickle of sweat runs down my back. What am I going to do?