O Mio Babbino Caro.

“One day, I was a student here, just like you!” I say enthusiastically, balancing the harp in between my knees, feeling the curious eyes of the students on me and my instrument.

I am glad to be here, though I think that is the case only because you are. I would not be this happy if you were not in the room. Can you tell my joy? I wish to look your way, but cannot let this crowd in on my secret. I pretend I do not feel your gaze on me, and I pretend that I do not care for it, though I have always loved and wanted to be seen by you. I know you are smiling, and I am almost sure that you know of my gladness, and of its primary cause, which causes a slight blush to appear across my cheeks.

“What song should I play for you now? Any ideas?” I ask the group of students, while simultaneously running through the list of songs I know in my mind to hopefully find one that is suitable.

It is your voice that I hear. “How about O Mio Babbino Caro?”

What a great choice – one of the most known operatic arias of all times. The melody comes into my mind instantly – a melody of longing and despair – about a woman begging her father to help her marry the man she loves.

Once my performance and demonstration is over, I stand up from my chair to start packing up. The kids head off to recess. You remain in the room. I don’t know if I am surprised to see you making your way toward me. Perhaps I am surprised that you are still so kind and grateful to me after all these years.

I feel your hand on my shoulder, and am stunned by your touch, and at how warm, and pleasant, and safe it feels.

“Thank you”, is all you say, and I know that you mean it, and that you think I’ve done well, and that you think highly of me.

Your hand lingers on my shoulder for a moment longer, and my heart smiles and feels at peace. How nice and comforting it is, to be loved by you.

(This was a dream I had last night – or should I say this morning – that was strangely vivid, especially the moment of physical touch and how loved & safe I felt).