Chapter 3: Cardboard Feelings
Part 1
A jet-black piano, perfectly positioned in the cafeteria, with orange rays of the sunset enriching its beauty. Without a doubt, a wonderful specimen.
Adolfo walked purposefully toward the piano, his steps echoing softly on the cafeteria floor. The time had come. He got ready and sat down.
Inner monologue: "I'm going to do it. I'm a little nervous; I've played several times before, but this is the first time I'll do it in front of someone close to me. Alright, I'm ready."
Adolfo adjusted his uniform, and with a slight movement of his hands, he began. A soft sound emerged from the piano, capturing everyone's attention. "Oh, listen, what a beautiful sound," someone commented. "That guy is amazing," said another. "This sound reminds me of my wife," an old man murmured with a nostalgic sigh.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a child's small laughter, an older man's sigh of relief, the sun slowly setting on the horizon—all combined to create a perfect scene. Adolfo was now the center of this small world.
Isabel rested her head on the palm of her hand as she looked at him, delighted, enjoying every note.
Inner monologue: "Am I doing it right? Will she like it? I hope she does."
A smile appeared on his face. These are his feelings; this is his way of thanking her.
Inner monologue: "I've thought a lot since that afternoon, but I still don't know what to say; I have no idea how I should act now. Words were never my thing, so I hope my feelings get through to her."
Little by little, the piece came to an end, and with the last note, the sun set completely, concluding the performance.
Beads of sweat formed on his forehead; satisfied, he dropped his arms and looked at the ceiling.
Inner monologue: "Did they reach her? I hope so."
He stood up, and it didn't take long for the applause to begin. "You were fantastic, kid," someone in the crowd called out.
Their eyes met. Adolfo gave her a slight smile of satisfaction, and Isabel smiled back. Suddenly, all the questions they wanted to ask disappeared—everything had been answered with just one song. Words were no longer necessary.
Part 2
On the way home, Adolfo's heart couldn't stop beating fast.
Inner monologue: "What is this feeling? Suddenly, I can't stop thinking about Isabel. What's wrong with me? It's true that our relationship took a big step today, but friends don't think about each other all day, they don't miss each other constantly, they don't feel the urge to touch. Why is this happening to me? Of course, I love Sofía. The love I feel for her is real; I want to get to know her better, I think about her all day, I miss seeing her all the time. No! No, this isn't real—I don't love Isabel after all; we're just friends, aren't we?"
—I have to get away before these feelings become real.
Inner monologue: "Isabel has been incredible to me, and suddenly I feel something very strong for her, but I still have the same feelings for Sofía. I don't know. Is it possible to love two people at the same time? Sofía has always been my ideal love, but Isabel is someone with whom I feel deeply connected; we are quite similar..."
He continued on his way, accompanied by the bustle of the city, going unnoticed, immersed in his thoughts.
Adolfo came home and lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling with his arms outstretched.
—Does friendship between men and women really exist?
Adolfo couldn't handle these feelings anymore. On the verge of exploding, he stood up, went straight to the piano, and played and played so that these feelings would disappear.
—Oh beloved piano! You understand me, right? After all, you are an extension of my feelings...
The next morning, Adolfo was walking through the school hallways.
Isabel noticed Adolfo's presence, looked in the mirror, fixed her hair, and hurried off.
—Good morning, Adolfo! —Isabel recoiled in surprise.
—Hmm, is something wrong?
—Did you sleep last night?
Inner monologue (Isabel): "It can't be, it can't be—the dark circles make him look so sexy. I can't believe it, I can barely hide my excitement."
—I barely had the chance. I'm sorry, but I need to be alone. Can we talk later?
—Of course...
"Adolfo's dark circles make him look really good," said a classmate. "Yes, you're right. I heard he's going to play at a gala party."
Adolfo continued on his way to the classroom.
—Adolfo, you're late.
—I'm sorry, teacher. I couldn't sleep last night, —he responded, trying not to show too much emotion.
—It's true; I heard you're going to play at a gala party that Sofía's father organized, isn't that right?
—Yes... I was practicing until late. Of course, that's not the reason I stayed up late. I really didn't mean to be late.
—I guess it's hard being a musician. You should go rest in the infirmary.
—There's no need.
—It's okay, don't worry—I won't tell your parents anything.
—I appreciate it, I'll take you at your word.
In the infirmary, a beautiful girl lay in bed, gazing out the window.
To be continued...