When We Return by Eliana Tobias

Author:Eliana Tobias [Tobias, Eliana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: River Grove Books

Later that night Jerry called to ask if she would like to go to a concert to share in his love of classical music.

“‘Ode to Joy,’ in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. It’s not only a beautiful piece but a powerful one, a masterpiece about peace and unity. It’s now the official anthem of the European Community. There’ll be a full orchestra, a chorus and vocal soloists—you’ll enjoy it,” Jerry said.

After they picked up the tickets from the box office, they entered the concert hall where the musicians were already on stage making dissonant sounds with their instruments. “They’re warming up,” Jerry said.

They found their seats and she had time to read the program notes to learn about the conductor and the vocalists. The first violinist made an entrance, and all became quiet. “When the concertmaster comes on stage, his job is to tune the orchestra,” Jerry explained quietly.

Two featured sopranos in glitzy, long evening gowns followed by the two baritones in tight-fitting tuxedos walked to their chairs in the front of the stage and stood tall as the high-spirited conductor entered the hall. Otilia was surprised when members of a large choir rose at the back of the stage. The lights were dimmed and, shortly after, the music whirled her into a current of emotions. Dramatic and forceful cadences engrossed her.

“What do you think?” Jerry was anxious to know when there was a pause.

“I feel like I’m in a cathedral.”

“The soaring voices are beautiful,” he whispered.

At the end of the concert, Otilia and Jerry joined the audience in giving the performers several ovations with abundant applause.

When they walked out of the theater, Jerry asked if Otilia wanted a nightcap. Taking her hand, he guided her inside a small restaurant he sometimes frequented after a performance. They each ordered a glass of prosecco and a piece of cheesecake to share.

“I was reading about ‘Ode to Joy’ and found out that during Pinochet’s regime in Chile, women would sing ‘Himno a la Alegría’ outside the prison gates to give hope to their incarcerated loved ones,” Jerry said.

“It is beautiful. We should look for the recording, I’d like to hear it again.”

“We will—nothing better than music to direct our emotions to a place of hope, when one day all men will be brothers again.”

“Talking about new days and a new life, I will become a grandmother. And peace is my one wish for the child.”

“Isn’t it wonderful? Congratulations! Though you’re too young to be an abuela,” he said, raising his glass.

“It’s about time, they’ve been married for a while.” Otilia raised her glass to click his. “I don’t like that word, ‘abuela.’ I’ll be known as nana.”

“You’ll be a great nana,” he said.

“I’ll try to make up for my lost years as a mother,” she said.

Jerry reached for her hand and planted a kiss.

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