Chapter 2: The Street Musician
Chapter 2 • 178 Words
Clara walked aimlessly through the cobblestone alleys of the old town, her head down against the cold wind. As she passed the entrance to the subway station, she felt a strange sensation. It was not a sound, but a physical vibration pulsing through the soles of her boots. It was a rhythmic, warm thrumming that seemed to match the beat of her own heart.
She stopped and looked around. Leaning against a brick wall was a young man with a battered acoustic guitar. He wasn't looking at the crowd; his eyes were closed, his cheek pressed flat against the wooden body of his instrument. His bare feet were pressed firmly against the stone pavement.
He played with a wild, untamed energy. The melody was simple, but it carried an emotional weight that bypassed Clara's damaged ears and struck directly at her chest. She stood there, watching his fingers slide across the frets. He seemed to feel the music rather than hear it. When he opened his eyes, they were a warm amber, and he smiled directly at her.