Scarlett was lounging in a big, comfy recliner by the bedroom window, eyes glued to her laptop as she punched in a phone number on her cell. Her heart raced with each ring—she'd felt this rush before. She was calling the Galleria d'Arte di Giovanni's main office in Florence, the only gallery that dealt with Silas Frost's artwork. And Silas, she was almost sure, was actually her long-lost brother, Kenneth.

From the moment Scarlett woke from her coma, her heart was set on finding Silas Frost. Yet, fate wasn't on her side—the Zurich exhibit had already ended. When she called the gallery, they confirmed her worst fear: Silas had returned to Florence. The news shattered her. If only her health allowed, she would have flown to Florence long ago, just to look into his eyes and see for herself if the man she remembered from that day was truly Kenneth, her big brother.

But her reality was cruel. Her condition had her tethered to the hospital room, too weak even to rise from her bed. Despite her fragile state, Scarlett's spirit fought against her physical limits; she was desperate to leave. It was Dr. Saito who convinced her to prioritize her health and had promised that once she was stronger, he would personally take her to Florence. 

The gallery staff suggested that if Scarlett really wanted to talk to Silas Frost, her best chance would be to catch him at one of his exhibits. However, they informed her that Silas was currently on a European tour and wouldn't be back in Florence for another two months. Fueled by a mix of determination and desperation, Scarlett marked the days on her calendar, counting down until his return.

The months ticked slowly by, and Scarlett kept calling the Galleria d'Arte di Giovanni, each time hoping for news of Silas' next exhibit in Italy. But every call ended in disappointment—the same frustrating response met her each time: no new exhibits scheduled. 

As Scarlett settled into the recliner, her fingers nervously danced over the phone keypad. She held onto a sliver of hope that this call would finally bring her closer to Silas. When the line connected, a man's voice rang out, slightly startling her. "Pronto? Chi parla?" (Hello. Who is this?) It was familiar yet always a bit unexpected.

"Hey Alessandro, this is Scarlett again calling," she responded, trying to inject a warm, familiar tone into her voice.

She could almost hear the smile in his voice as he chuckled softly. "Buon pomeriggio, signorina Winters!" Alessandro replied with a cheerful vigor that brought a small smile to her face despite her anxiety.

His familiar greeting momentarily lightened the weight of her mission, making the endless cycle of calls seem a little less daunting. They chatted briefly about the trivial things—how the weather was turning and the small events happening around town, their conversation flowing easily like that of two good friends.

After a pause, filled with a comfortable silence that underscored their budding familiarity, Alessandro cleared his throat. "I think I already know why you're calling today, signorina." he said, his voice laced with a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, I have some bad news. Silas Frost's European tour has been extended."

"I..see." Scarlett sighed heavily, a sound that carried all her weariness and disappointment. "Thanks, Alessandro," she replied, trying to mask the heaviness in her voice. "I appreciate you letting me know. I'll call again soon."

Scarlett hung up the phone, a deep sigh escaping her lips as she gazed out the window. She leaned back into the soft embrace of the chair, a sense of longing clouding her eyes. "Oh, big brother. Why does it feel like you're drifting further away, even though I finally know where you are?" she whispered to herself, her voice tinged with melancholy.

Her reverie was broken by a gentle knock at the door. "Scarlett?" Dr. Saito's voice came through softly. "Scarlett, are you up?"

With a quick shake of her head to dispel her somber thoughts, Scarlett got up and opened the door. "Hey, Dr. Saito. What's up? Is everything okay?"

Dr. Saito greeted her with a warm smile, shaking his head reassuringly. "Oh no, everything is fine," he assured her. "I'm just heading out to the market to restock the fridge. Need anything?"

Scarlett paused, considering for a moment, then shook her head. "I'm good, Doctor. Thanks."

"Alright, I'll be back soon. Take care," he said, his smile lingering as he turned to leave.

As Dr. Saito walked away, a spontaneous decision took hold of Scarlett. She grabbed her coat and phone, rushing after him. "Wait up, Dr. Saito!" she called out, her voice carrying a lightness that hadn't been there moments before.

Dr. Saito turned, his expression brightening as he saw her approach. "Running to catch up, huh?" he chuckled.

"I'm coming with you. I mean, if that's okay with you," she said, a hopeful smile spreading across her face.

He nodded, his smile matching hers. "Of course, let's go," he said warmly, and together they stepped out, leaving the confines of the house behind for a brief escape into the ordinary world.

As Scarlett and Dr. Saito finished gathering groceries at a market fifteen minutes from their chalet and were heading back to their car, an older man in his sixties, radiating a familiar warmth, stopped in their path with a cheerful expression.

"Yuki!" he called out, waving enthusiastically as he approached.

Scarlett felt a twinge of nostalgia at the name 'Yuki,' as though it resonated deeper than she expected. She watched Dr. Saito, who had always just been 'Dr. Saito' to her, bow respectfully in greeting—a gesture of deep familiarity. This was the first time she heard him referred to by his first name.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Fischer. How have you been?" Dr. Saito—Yuki, she corrected herself silently—asked warmly, extending his hand.

Their handshake was hearty, the kind shared between old friends. Mr. Fischer's laughter was light and genuine as he clapped Yuki on the shoulder. "I'm doing well, thanks to you, Yuki. When did you get back in town? Dorothy didn't mention you were coming."

"I returned almost three weeks ago," Yuki replied, his eyes flicking briefly to Scarlett.

Mr. Fischer followed his gaze, turning his curious eyes on her. His smile broadened. "And who might this young lady be?" His tone was playful, teasing a bit as he looked back at Yuki.

"This is Scarlett Winters, one of my patients in Zurich and currently staying with me," Yuki introduced. "And Scarlett, this is Mr. Leano Fischer, he manages a private institution for orphan children."

Mr. Fischer's hand shot out almost immediately towards her. "Nice to meet you, Scarlett. What a beautiful name for a beautiful young woman," he complimented warmly.

Scarlett's cheeks tinged pink, and she smiled shyly. "It's very nice to meet you too, Mr. Fischer," she replied, her voice soft yet sincere, feeling a gentle swell of warmth in the unexpected friendliness of their meeting.

Dr. Saito's interest piqued as they chatted, and he soon steered the conversation toward Mr. Fischer's work. "How are things at the orphanage? How are the kids doing?" he inquired, genuine concern lining his voice.

Mr. Fischer's face lit up with a smile, though his eyes held a touch of nostalgia. "Everything's the same, all good. The kids have been missing you, Yuki. They keep asking when you'll come back for a visit," he replied, his tone both cheerful and inviting.

At the mention of the children, Dr. Saito's expression transformed. A rare, different kind of smile spread across his face, his eyes sparkling with a light that Scarlett hadn't seen before. It was clear the children held a special place in his heart, and seeing this side of him touched Scarlett deeply. Maybe it was because she, too, had come from an orphanage and knew the profound impact that visitors could have on the children there.

As she watched Dr. Saito's joyous reaction, Scarlett felt a painful twitch in her heart. Thoughts of her own time in the orphanage brought back flashes of a devastating night—a fire that had razed her childhood home to the ground. Her memories of that night were hazy; terror and screams filled the fragments she could recall. 

It was a chapter of her life that, despite its importance, she had buried deep within her psyche, so deep that she wasn't sure she ever wanted to unearth those memories again. The pain was still too raw, the fear too palpable. Even now, the thought of revisiting those memories sent a shiver of dread through her.

Scarlett was jolted from her painful reverie by a gentle touch on her shoulder. She looked up to find Dr. Saito's eyes meeting hers, his gaze deep and reassuring, almost as if he could scatter the dark clouds of her memories with a single look. The comfort in his eyes acted like a balm, and almost instantly, her heart felt lighter and her mind calmer.

"You're okay..." he said softly, his tone not questioning but affirming. His words seemed to anchor her to the present, and she stared back at him, confusion mingling with gratitude. She had met Dr. Saito only a year ago, yet there was something inexplicably familiar about him. It often took her by surprise how well he seemed to understand her, as if he had read her thoughts, or a slam book of her life—if she had ever had one. His presence had a peculiar way of making the complexities of her past feel a little less overwhelming.

Mr. Fischer looked at Scarlett with a concerned expression, noticing her suddenly pale face and how attentively Yuki attended to her. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.

Scarlett nodded, managing a small smile. "I'm fine, just remembered something, that's all," she assured him.

Relieved, Mr. Fischer's features softened, and he turned his attention back to Yuki. "Are you staying in Einsiedeln for a while?" he inquired curiously.

Yuki nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Yes, but why do you ask?"

"Well," Mr. Fischer began with a slight smile, "it's Lettie's birthday on Saturday. It would be really nice if you could come. After all, you were the one who delivered her four years ago when her birth mother came to my orphanage."

"You delivered a baby?" Scarlett interjected, her surprise evident.

Dr. Saito smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yes, it was when I first came to Einsiedeln. The Zurich Medical Institute was conducting a medical volunteer program near Mr. Fischer's orphanage. One evening, while taking a walk, I went a bit farther than I intended and was just about to head back when I met a young woman in labor. That's how I accidentally found the orphanage and ended up helping her deliver a healthy baby girl—the first and only time I've ever delivered a baby."

He paused, a reflective look crossing his face. "It wasn't even an hour later that the mother left without a goodbye, abandoning her newborn at the orphanage without even giving her a name."

"To honor your help, we asked you to name her," Mr. Fischer added, turning back to the story with a warm smile.

Dr. Saito nodded. "I named her Lettie," he said softly.

Scarlett listened, mesmerized by the tale, her eyes wide with admiration for the doctor. Her smile was unwavering as she took in the story of his unexpected act of kindness.

Mr. Fischer chuckled, then his expression turned thoughtful as he tried to recall a detail. "When Yuki looked at the baby carefully, he didn't hesitate for a second and named her. And..." He paused, coughed, and cleared his throat, snapping his fingers as the memory came back to him. "Ah, that's right, Yuki actually called her 'Scarlett'."

As Mr. Fischer uttered the name 'Scarlett', he paused, a spark of realization flickering across his face. "Scarlett? What a funny coincidence," he mused with a light chuckle.

Hearing her name echoed back to her, Scarlett felt a jolt of surprise. She whispered her name to herself, feeling the weight of the coincidence. She glanced subtly at Dr. Saito, who now seemed a bit sheepish, a rare break in his usual composure.

He caught her gaze and offered a slightly embarrassed smile. "Well, she just seemed like a 'Scarlett' when I first saw Lettie," Dr. Saito explained, his voice faltering just a bit as he searched for the right words. He cleared his throat, as if to reset the conversation.

Scarlett found herself pondering the oddity of it all. 'Why would he choose the name Scarlett?' she thought, her mind racing with possibilities. It felt too significant to be mere coincidence, yet they had never met before her treatment.

She lightly shook her head, chuckling softly to herself. 'It's just a coincidence. Yes, that's right.' she thought, giving a subtle nod. Her smile came more naturally as she decided to embrace the quirky twist of fate without overthinking it.

"Anyway, yes, I... uh, think I could, uhm, go to Lettie's birthday," Dr. Saito said, shifting the conversation. "I'll be sure to bring her a gift, and something for everyone else, too."

"Oh, the kids will be thrilled just to know you're coming," Mr. Fischer chuckled softly. "And you should come along too, Scarlett," he added, turning his warm gaze to her.

Scarlett smiled, looking between Dr. Saito and Mr. Fischer. "Are you sure? I don't want to intrude..."

Mr. Fischer waved his hand dismissively. "Oh no, you're very welcome there, and the kids will surely be ecstatic to see a new face," he assured her sweetly. "They're a bunch of hyperactive kids but they can be sweet and adorable most of the time. You'll love them."

Laughing, Scarlett felt a warmth spread through her chest. "I already do," she replied, her heart light as she accepted the invitation.

It was a snowy Saturday when Scarlett and Dr. Saito arrived at Mr. Fischer's orphanage, nestled in the heart of a winter wonderland. The large, inviting structure was adorned with festive lights and wreaths, each window glowing warmly against the crisp white snow. 

Children bundled in colorful winter attire were scattered across the courtyard, their laughter echoing through the air as they engaged in snowball fights and attempted to build snowmen. Many of the snowmen looked more like deformed sculptures, as the kids struggled to roll large snowballs that often broke apart.

As soon as they arrived, Mr. Fischer introduced Scarlett and Dr. Saito to his wife, who co-managed the orphanage. She, along with other staff members, greeted them with warm smiles and open arms, the welcoming atmosphere evident in every interaction. The couple and the staff urged Scarlett to come inside to warm up from the chilly weather.

Despite their kind invitations, Scarlett declined, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "I'd love to stay out here for awhile and help watch the kids if that's alright," she said cheerfully. "I've always been fine with the cold." 

Dr. Saito gave her a knowing smile and nodded. "I'll be back shortly," he said, before heading inside with Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, leaving Scarlett bundled up and smiling among the snowflakes and playful shouts.

Scarlett watched with a beaming smile, her heart swelling with joy at the sight of such pure, unadulterated happiness. The scene brought back a flood of childhood memories—days just like this one, filled with play and laughter, where the cold was just another excuse to find joy with friends. 

Watching the kids, she couldn't help but think of her own time in an orphanage, the friends she had made, and the dreams they shared of finding families who would love and cherish them. As she took in the joyful chaos, Scarlett found herself hoping that each of these children would find the same loving home that every child deserves.

Just as Scarlett was soaking in the joyous scene, she felt a coat being draped over her shoulders from behind. Turning around, she saw Dr. Saito, who offered her a warm, caring smile. "I know the cold never bothers you, but you still need to stay warm," he said as he helped her into a thicker winter coat, one he mentioned he'd left behind last winter.

As he wrapped a cozy checkered scarf around her neck and carefully tucked it inside the coat, his voice carried a gentle warmth. "There, now you're nice and warm," he said, smiling at her.

"Thank you, Dr. Saito," Scarlett replied, genuinely touched by his thoughtful gesture.

They were exchanging smiles when a little girl in an orange winter coat toddled over. "Hello there," Scarlett greeted, seeing the girl appeared to be about six or seven years old.

"Hi Mia," Dr. Saito said, kneeling down to fix the girl's scarf. "What's up, little one?" he asked with a gentle smile.

Mia fixed Scarlett with a curious look. "Are you Dr. Yuki's girlfriend?" she asked with a straight face, her small voice serious.

Both adults chuckled softly at her blunt inquiry. "Oh, no, I'm not," Scarlett replied, amused by Mia's directness.

Mia looked skeptical, her little brow furrowed. "Are you sure? 'Cause I saw him giving you his coat and scarf."

"Mia..." Dr. Saito said, his tone softly chiding, yet playful. He looked apologetically at Scarlett then back to Mia. "It's not polite to ask that, sweetie. Scarlett is a very good friend," he explained, ruffling her hair affectionately.

Mia's expression softened into a smile, reassured by his words. "I'm sorry for asking like that," she said, her voice dreamy as she hugged Dr. Saito's leg. "It's just that Dr. Yuki is like a prince, and I'm gonna marry him when I grow up!"

Dr. Saito's eyes twinkled as he responded to Mia's declaration. "Oh, do I get a say in that?" he joked, his voice playful.

Mia tightened her hug around him and looked up, her expression serious. "Nope!" she proclaimed confidently.

Scarlett and Dr. Saito both burst into laughter at her determined response, the sound mingling with the cheerful noise of the playground. 

Excitement bubbled up as a group of kids bounded over, grabbing Scarlett and Dr. Saito by the hands with wide-eyed enthusiasm. "Can you help us make a real snowman? Ours look kinda funny," one little girl lamented, pointing at a lopsided pile of snow.

Scarlett was led to a lonely snowball, the humble beginnings of a snowman, while Dr. Saito was roped into starting another from scratch. The kids rallied around, forming two cheering squads, turning the task into a playful competition.

Scarlett and Dr. Saito exchanged mischievous glances and competitive smiles as they each worked on their snowmen. The chilly air was filled with laughter and shouts of encouragement from their small supporters.

As Scarlett concentrated on adding arms to her snowman, she was suddenly interrupted by a snowball smashing into her creation, sending a shower of snow across her face. She whipped around to see Dr. Saito standing a few feet away, grinning like a kid who'd just pulled off the perfect prank.

"Oh, it's on now!" Scarlett laughed, her eyes twinkling with challenge. She quickly scooped up a handful of snow, packed it tight, and returned fire, hitting Dr. Saito's snowman square in the middle. His shocked face mirrored the mischievous joy she felt, and the kids erupted in giggles and cheers.

"Traitor!" Dr. Saito called out playfully, ducking as another snowball flew his way. 

In the heat of their playful snow battle, Scarlett rallied the kids on her side. "Let's get him, kids!" she whispered conspiratorially, and the kids giggled, scooping up handfuls of snow with glee.

Dr. Saito caught on and did the same, directing his team in a friendly counterattack. The air filled with snowballs and the sounds of laughter as both sides launched their frosty missiles. Scarlett, aiming nonstop at Dr. Saito, couldn't stop laughing. It had been ages since she'd laughed this freely, her heart light with joy.

Caught up in the moment, she didn't see the snowball coming straight for her until it smacked her forehead. The impact sent her stumbling, and she fell back into the soft snow with a surprised yelp.

"Oh, shit. Scarlett! I'm so sorry!" Dr. Saito exclaimed, rushing over to her. As he ran, his foot snagged in the snow, and he tumbled down right on top of her.

Thankfully, his arms broke most of his fall, sparing Scarlett from his full weight. She caught her breath, her cheeks burning red as they found themselves mere inches apart. Their eyes locked, and she saw him swallow hard, his breath visible in the cold air.

Scarlett's heart pounded against her ribcage, the sound almost deafening in her ears. It was the first time she'd seen his face this close, his almond hazel eyes staring back at her with such intensity that she felt mesmerized. Even though she'd acted in more intimate scenes with other actors, none had ever made her heart race like this.

"Sorry..." he mouthed, a shy smile playing on his lips, breaking the intense moment.

With a laugh, Scarlett managed to ease the tension. "What a clumsy idiot," he muttered, grinning as he carefully rolled off her and lay back in the snow beside her, both catching their breath under the wide, snowy sky.

As the snowfall intensified and the wind picked up outside, everyone was called inside. It was just in time too, as the food was ready and laid out on the long vintage wooden table in the living room, where a big brick fireplace cast a warm, cozy glow.

The room was filled with the comforting aromas of a feast, and the table was a sight to behold with a big pink birthday cake taking center stage, surrounded by an array of delicious dishes. Balloons danced on the backs of chairs and birthday hats topped the heads of kids and staff alike, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mrs. Fischer entered the living room, leading the birthday girl by hand. Little Lettie had just woken up from her nap, adorably dressed in her birthday outfit—a charming pink corduroy overalls paired with a delicate white blouse that featured a lace collar. She was still rubbing her sleepy eyes when her gaze fell on the birthday table, lighting up at the sight of the cake.

Her excitement bubbled over when she spotted Dr. Saito. "Dr. Yuki! Dr. Yuki! You're here! You're here!" she exclaimed joyfully, her little legs carrying her as fast as they could towards him. Dr. Saito opened his arms wide, and the two shared the warmest of hugs, Lettie's happiness infectious.

Everyone watched, smiles on their faces at the heartwarming scene, almost like a father and daughter reunion. "Hey sweetheart! Happy birthday!" Dr. Saito greeted, lifting her into his arms, making her giggle with delight.

Lettie's eyes glistened with tears as she clung to Dr. Saito, her voice wavering slightly. "I missed you so much. I thought you forgot about me," she said, her little hands gently cupping his face.

Dr. Saito's expression softened as he looked down at Lettie, then glanced around at all the children gathered. "Oh, Lettie, I could never forget about you or any of you guys," he assured her warmly, his voice tender. "I promise I'll visit more often."

Hearing this, Lettie's face lit up, and she, along with the other children, jumped for joy, thrilled by the prospect of seeing Dr. Saito more frequently.

Scarlett watched the scene unfold, deeply moved by the affection the children showed Dr. Saito—a man who many outside this cozy room might describe as cold-hearted.

Feeling the festive spirit, Dr. Saito then motioned everyone towards the table. "Let's sing 'Happy Birthday' to Lettie," he announced, and everyone gathered around the table, their voices ready to celebrate.

"Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Lettie, Happy Birthday to you!" they all sang together, filling the room with cheerful voices and laughter.

Lettie's face beamed with happiness as she blew out the candles on her cake, the room echoing with applause. 

As the birthday song faded into cheerful chatter, everyone gathered around the long vintage table to enjoy the feast. Scarlett found herself seated next to Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, who were incredibly attentive, frequently asking if she enjoyed the food and if everything was to her taste. Across from her, Dr. Saito was the center of attention among the children, with the birthday girl happily perched on his lap, surrounded by her eager peers.

After everyone had finished eating, the group migrated towards the cozy sofa area near the fireplace, where Lettie was ready to dive into the pile of wrapped presents awaiting her. Her excitement was palpable, and each time she unwrapped a gift to reveal a new toy, her joy overflowed, lighting up the room. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Saito discreetly began handing out gifts he had prepared for each of the children. Their surprised gasps and delighted smiles filled the room as they opened their presents. It was a delightful moment, one that filled the room with warmth and celebration.

As Dr. Saito made his way through the delighted crowd of children, handing out gifts, his next move took Scarlett by surprise. He paused directly in front of her, causing her to look up. She found herself staring into his sparkling hazel eyes, a small wrapped box held out towards her in his hand.

"M... For me?" Scarlett asked, her voice tinged with surprise. She felt the curious gazes of everyone in the room on her, making her cheeks warm with a shy blush as she glanced around and then back at Dr. Saito. Her eyes widened slightly, silently questioning him again.

Dr. Saito nodded, his smile broadening, irresistibly charming and warm. "It's really for you, Scarlett. Happy birthday," he said softly, his voice gentle and touching, filled with a sincerity that resonated deeply with her.

Her mouth fell open slightly in astonishment; she hadn't expected him to know, let alone remember, her birthday. Perhaps it was noted somewhere in her medical files, but the thought that he had remembered and taken the time to prepare a gift left her deeply touched. Slowly, she reached out and accepted the gift, her gaze locked with his. 

"Thank...you." she managed to say. 

The whole room burst into a round of "Happy Birthday" just as Scarlett and Dr. Saito broke their gaze. Mr. Fischer chuckled, adding, "Can you believe it? You and Lettie sharing a birthday—and such similar names too!"

"Right? Isn't that so uncanny?" Mrs. Fischer chimed in, smiling warmly. "I wish we had known today was also your birthday, Scarlett. We would have prepared something special for you, dear."

Scarlett's eyes sparkled with tears as she looked around at everyone. "You're already making me feel really special," she managed to say, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you. Really, thank you."

Wiping a tear from her cheek, she turned back to Dr. Saito, holding the gift a little uncertainly. "Is it okay if I open this later, when we get back?" she whispered.

"Of course," Dr. Saito replied with a gentle smile, nodding. "Whenever you're ready." His tone was easy and warm. 

As the warmth and affection of everyone at the party enveloped her, Scarlett felt a profound sense of belonging—a feeling that had eluded her for too long. The atmosphere was so inviting and genuine that it stirred in her an overwhelming desire to give something back, even though she hadn't brought any gifts.

Her gaze drifted to the grand piano tucked away in the corner of the living room. Maybe I could play something for them? she thought, her eyes lingering on the piano.

But you haven't played in years, Scarlett. What if you mess up? her inner voice cautioned. Do you even remember any pieces?

I've forgotten them all, she admitted silently, except for one. Remembering that one special piece she used to play as a young girl, her hesitation faded away.

Turning to Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, Scarlett asked hesitantly, "Would it be alright if I played your piano? I didn't bring a gift, but I'd really like to share something with everyone as thanks for today."

Mrs. Fischer's eyes lit up. "You play the piano, dear?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity and delight.

Blushing slightly, Scarlett nodded. "It's been a while, but yes, I used to," she replied, a shy smile playing on her lips.

Mr. Fischer laughed heartily, his voice echoing warmly in the room. "Well then, let's put that grand piano to good use," he said, waving her towards it. "Everyone, let's gather around and give Scarlett a chance to show us her talent."

As the guests arranged themselves around the room, Scarlett seated herself at the piano. Her fingers touched the keys, finding each note as if reconnecting with an old friend. It really has been too long, she thought to herself.

Glancing up, she felt a rush of nerves as she saw all eyes on her, waiting in anticipation. Catching Dr. Saito's encouraging look, she felt reassured. He nodded gently, silently telling her, You've got this.

With a deep breath, Scarlett closed her eyes and let her fingers begin their dance across the keys, the first note ringing clear and true through the room. A beautiful melody filled the room, drawing everyone into a rapt silence. The music was soulful, weaving a complex tapestry of emotions—love, friendship, eternal longing, sadness, and warmth all bled into each other, creating a deeply moving experience. Scarlett played with a professional grace that belied the years she had spent away from the piano, her movements fluid and confident.

The piece she chose to play was one she couldn't name; the title had been torn away from the sheet music she discovered years ago in the attic of her childhood home. It was a forbidden melody, one her father had explicitly banned. Yet, driven by a secret longing to master it, Scarlett had crafted a paper piano in the attic where she practiced tirelessly, her young fingers tracing silent songs in the air.

One fateful night, the maid forgot to lock the attic, and Scarlett seized her chance. She tiptoed to the living room and, for the first time, allowed the hidden music to flow through the real piano. The beautiful tones that filled the house brought her an overwhelming sense of happiness and comfort, a stark contrast to the darker days she endured after her brother's departure.

As she played now, each note seemed to echo the deep, heartfelt emotions of those clandestine sessions. The music carried a profound sense of pure love and the bittersweet tang of loss, intertwined with the comforting warmth of cherished memories. Her audience was visibly moved, some wiping tears from their eyes, completely captivated by the haunting beauty of the melody that filled the cozy room.

Scarlett felt a surge of pride; her muscle memory had preserved every note perfectly, despite the decades that had passed. The music enveloped her, transporting her back to that night of secret joy and the fleeting, precious freedom she had found in the melody. Her performance was not just a display of musical talent but a heartfelt gift to all present, a sharing of her most treasured and personal memories.

As the last note of the piano faded, the room burst into applause. Scarlett blinked in surprise, only then realizing tears had spilled down her cheeks during the performance.

"That was simply astounding, Scarlett," Mrs. Fischer said, her voice filled with emotion as she approached, wiping tears from her eyes.

The children's claps echoed joyfully in the background. "That may be the most beautiful music I've ever heard," Mrs. Fischer added, her words reinforcing the enchantment that seemed to hang in the air.

Dr. Saito threaded his way through the applauding crowd, his face alight with admiration. "Scarlett, I had no idea you played so beautifully," he said, reaching her side. "What's the name of that piece? I've listened to countless piano pieces, but this one is new to me."

Flushed with pride and touched by the compliments, Scarlett shook her head gently. "I actually don't know the name. I found the music sheet in an attic when I was a child, but the title part was torn off," she explained, her voice wistful. "I've always wondered about the composer and the name of the piece, but—"

Her words were suddenly interrupted by a deep, resonant voice from the back of the room. "Lune de Promesse by Anastasia Davenport," it said, drawing all eyes in its direction.

Scarlett's heart skipped as she turned to see who had spoken. Her eyes widened in shock and recognition. "Mr. Henderson?"

"Miss Winters?" Sebastian Henderson stood there, a mix of astonishment and tearful emotion etched across his features as he recognized her too. The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the moment palpable, as old acquaintances stared across the space at each other.