My phone rang.
I quickly searched for it in my bag, my heart skipping a beat when I saw Dad's name on the screen. Without hesitation, I answered while gathering my things after class.
"Hello, Dad?" I said, tucking my phone between my shoulder and ear as I zipped up my bag.
"Hey, sweetheart," his familiar voice came through. "Are you done with class?"
"Yeah, just packing up now," I replied, slinging my bag over my shoulder. "Why? Is something up?"
"Your mom just got home from her business trip," he said warmly. "We're having dinner together, so John will pick you up soon."
A smile spread across my face. "Really? That's great! I've missed her."
"I know. She's excited to see you too," Dad chuckled. "John should be there in about fifteen minutes, so don't keep him waiting, okay?"
"Got it. I'll head out now," I said, already feeling the exhaustion of the day fade at the thought of a family dinner. "I have so much to tell Mom, especially about my first day of class!"
"Oh?" Dad sounded amused. "How was it?"
I let out a small laugh. "A whirlwind! The professors jumped straight into serious discussions, and I already have assignments. But I met some great people, so that's a plus."
"Sounds like a good start," Dad said approvingly. "Your mom will love hearing all about it."
"I know," I said, my excitement growing. "I'll see you soon!"
As I ended the call, I couldn't help but smile. After a long day, a warm meal and catching up with my family was exactly what I needed.
Samantha walked with me to the school gates, keeping me company as I waited for my driver to arrive. The afternoon breeze was light, carrying the distant chatter of students heading home.
"I'll wait with you," she said with a smile, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. "No rush to get home anyway."
"Thanks, I appreciate it," I replied, glancing down the road. "John should be here soon."
She nodded and leaned against the metal railing. "So, how was your first day? Survive the chaos?"
I let out a small laugh. "Barely. The professors didn't waste any time. We already have assignments, and I can tell this semester is going to be intense."
"Ugh, tell me about it," she groaned. "I checked my planner, and it's already looking scary. But hey, at least we're in this together."
"Exactly," I said, smiling. "And I met some great people today, so that's a plus."
"Speaking of that," she teased, nudging me playfully, "I saw you talking to that guy from class earlier. What's his name again?"
I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Oh, please. That was just a normal conversation."
"Mhmm, sure," she said, smirking. "But I'll let it slide... for now."
Before I could respond, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided smoothly to a stop in front of us. The polished exterior reflected the golden hues of the setting sun, and John, our driver, rolled down the window, giving me a small nod.
Samantha let out a low whistle. "Every time I see this car, I feel like I should bow or something."
I chuckled as I grabbed my bag. "It's just a car, Sam."
"Yeah, just a ridiculously expensive, insanely luxurious car," she said dramatically. "But hey, you deserve to be chauffeured like a queen."
I rolled my eyes, laughing. "See you tomorrow, drama queen."
"See you, rich girl," she teased, waving as I opened the door and slid into the plush leather seat.
As the car pulled away, I leaned back with a satisfied sigh. It had been a long day, but I was looking forward to seeing my family-especially with Mom finally back.
As we reached our destination, the Rolls-Royce came to a smooth stop in front of an elegant Michelin-star restaurant. The golden glow of the entrance lights reflected off the polished exterior, and through the grand windows, I could see elegantly dressed guests dining under soft chandeliers. The rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the cool evening air, making my stomach grumble in anticipation.
John stepped out first, walking around to my side before gently opening the door.
"Thank you, John," I said, offering him a polite smile as I stepped onto the red-carpeted entrance.
"My pleasure, Ma'am," he replied with a respectful nod.
Pulling my casual coat tighter around me against the crisp night air, I took in the refined atmosphere. The restaurant exuded luxury, from the uniformed doormen standing by the entrance to the soft melody of a live violinist playing inside. Guests in tailored suits and elegant dresses strolled past, their conversations blending with the gentle clinking of wine glasses.
John cleared his throat slightly. "Your parents have already arrived, Ma'am. Your mother seemed quite eager to see you."
I smiled. "I can't wait to see her too. It's been a while."
"Enjoy your evening, Ma'am," he said with a nod.
"Thanks, John. Drive safely," I replied before making my way toward the entrance.
As I stepped inside, the warm air wrapped around me, carrying the scents of truffle, butter, and aged wine. The glow from crystal chandeliers cast a golden hue over the polished marble floors. A staff member immediately approached with a welcoming smile.
"Good evening, Miss. May I take your coat?"
"Yes, thank you," I said, slipping it off my shoulders. He carefully draped it over his arm before stepping away.
A hostess in a sleek black dress greeted me next. "Good evening, Miss. May I have your reservation name?"
"My father made the reservation under Schmid," I said.
She quickly scanned the list, then smiled. "Right this way, Miss Schmid. Your family is waiting for you."
With a nod, I followed her through the softly lit dining area, my anticipation growing. Tonight wasn't just about fine dining-it was about family, catching up, and sharing stories over a beautiful meal.
As I followed the hostess through the softly lit dining area, my eyes scanned the room until I finally spotted my mom. She was waving at me with a warm smile, her excitement evident.
The moment I saw her, I couldn't hold back. I quickened my pace, offering a quick "Thank you" to the hostess before making my way to their table.
As soon as I reached Mom's seat, I wrapped my arms around her in a tight hug.
"I missed you, Mom!" I said, my voice filled with emotion as I held onto her.
She let out a soft laugh, hugging me just as tightly. "I missed you too, sweetheart. It feels like it's been forever."
I pulled back slightly, taking in her face. She looked a little tired from her trip, but her eyes were full of warmth.
Dad chuckled from his seat. "Let her breathe, kiddo. She's not leaving again just yet."
I laughed, finally letting go and taking the seat beside Mom. "I know, I just really missed her."
Mom reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. "Tell me everything, hon. How was your first day?"
As the waiter approached to pour water into my glass, I smiled, already excited to share. "Oh, where do I even start?"
I took a sip of water before leaning in with a smile. "Well, my first day was... intense. The professors didn't waste any time, and I already have assignments. But I met some great people, so that made it a little easier."
Mom nodded, listening intently. "That sounds exciting, though. It's a new journey, and I know you'll do great."
Dad smirked. "And no troublemakers in your class?"
I laughed. "Not yet. But it's only the first day. I'll let you know if someone makes the list."
Mom chuckled before sighing. "I'm so glad to be home. The business trip was exhausting, but it went really well."
I tilted my head curiously. "Oh? Tell me about it."
She smiled, her eyes lighting up. "It was an important trip for the theatre school. We finalized a collaboration with a well-known performing arts academy. It means new international workshops, guest instructors, and even exchange programs for our students."
"That's amazing, Mom!" I said genuinely. "I know how much this means to you."
"It really does," she said warmly. Then she hesitated for a moment before giving me a knowing look. "And... there's something else. Something about you."
I frowned slightly, confused. "Me?"
Mom nodded, setting down her glass. "Ever since people found out you woke up from the coma and fully recovered, there's been a lot of interest in seeing you play the cello again. Your story... it's inspiring, and the industry is paying attention. Some of the people I met on this trip asked about you. They remember your performances, and they want to see you on stage again."
I felt my stomach twist on her words. I knew she meant well, but it wasn't the kind of "good news" I had been expecting.
"Mom," I said carefully, "that's really kind of them, but... I'm not that person anymore. I'm focused on law school now."
She reached for my hand. "I know, sweetheart. But this is an opportunity. They believe in you. They see your comeback as something special. Don't you even miss playing?"
I hesitated. "Of course, I do. Music was a huge part of my life. But I already lost a year. I need to focus on my studies now."
Mom's expression softened, but I could see the slight disappointment in her eyes. "I just don't want you to turn away from something you loved so much."
"I'm not turning away," I assured her. "I'm just choosing a different path now."
I could already tell she wasn't going to let this go anytime soon. Even though she had promised to respect my decision, I knew my mother too well-this conversation was far from over. She would keep bringing it up, nudging me toward the stage again, convinced that I just needed the right push to return.
If I wanted to avoid this, I had to find more ways to keep myself busy. More classes, more study groups, anything to make it clear that I wasn't just making excuses. I was building something new for myself, something that didn't include the cello.
I glanced down at my glass of water, swirling it absentmindedly as my thoughts drifted. The truth was, music had once been my whole world. It had been my passion, my identity. But that was before. Before the accident. Before I forgot who I was.
Now, even my dreams, the ones I had just this morning felt distant and fragmented, slipping away the moment I tried to grasp them. How could I return to music when I couldn't even hold onto my own memories?
Mom must have sensed my hesitation because she reached across the table, gently placing her hand over mine.
"Noa," she said softly, her voice laced with a quiet plea. "I know you're afraid of stepping back into that world, but I also know you. You don't just let go of something you love that easily."
I sighed, forcing a small smile. "It's not about letting go, Mom. It's about moving forward. I lost a year of my life. Law school is my focus now-I need to prove to myself that I can do this."
She studied me for a moment before nodding, though I could see the lingering sadness in her eyes. "I understand," she said finally. "But just promise me one thing?"
"What is it?"
"Don't shut music out completely. Don't let fear decide for you."
I hesitated before giving her hand a squeeze. "I promise."
Dad, who had been watching the exchange in silence, suddenly cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Alright, before this turns into a philosophical debate, can we focus on the important things? Like food? Because I am starving."
Mom and I both laughed, and just like that, the tension eased. As the waiter returned to take our orders, I let myself settle into the warmth of the evening, enjoying the rare moment of peace with my family.
Even if the conversation about my past wasn't over, at least, for tonight, I could pretend it was.
As the waiter began taking our orders, I forced myself to push the conversation about music aside and focus on the present. I scanned the elegant leather-bound menu, the descriptions of gourmet dishes making my stomach grumble in anticipation.
"I'll have the filet mignon, medium rare, with the truffle mashed potatoes," Dad said, closing his menu with a satisfied nod.
Mom smiled at the waiter. "I'll have the grilled salmon with asparagus, please."
I hesitated for a moment before deciding. "I'll take the lobster ravioli with saffron cream sauce."
The waiter took note of our orders before pouring fresh sparkling water into our glasses. "Would you like any appetizers or wine with your meal?"
Dad glanced at Mom, who shook her head. "I think we'll just stick with our entrées tonight," he said.
The waiter nodded politely and disappeared into the sea of elegantly dressed diners.
Once he was gone, Mom turned her attention back to me, her expression soft but still curious. "So, aside from classes, how's everything else? Have you made any friends yet?"
I smiled, thinking about Samantha. "Yeah, actually. I met this girl named Samantha-she's really fun, and we've been getting along great. She's kind of my first real friend at law school."
Mom's face lit up. "That's wonderful, honey! Having a good support system makes all the difference, especially in a demanding program like yours."
Dad smirked. "And no charming law students trying to sweep you off your feet?"
I nearly choked on my water. "Dad!"
"What?" he asked, completely unfazed. "I just want to know if I need to start screening any potential suitors."
Mom chuckled, shaking her head. "Greg, let her breathe. She just started school. Let's not scare her classmates away."
I rolled my eyes but laughed. "For the record, no, Dad. No one is 'sweeping me off my feet.' I've been too busy adjusting to everything to even think about that."
"Good," he said, taking a sip of his water. "Your focus should be on your studies, not some lovesick law student with bad arguments."
I laughed. "Noted. If I ever date someone, I'll make sure he has a solid legal argument before introducing him to you."
"That's my girl," Dad said proudly.
Mom sighed dramatically. "Honestly, I don't know what's worse, your dad being overprotective or you actually entertaining his antics."
I grinned. "It's a tie."
The conversation drifted to lighter topics-Dad's latest case, Mom's upcoming projects at the theater school, and even some funny stories from my childhood that they loved to bring up whenever they got the chance. The atmosphere felt warm, familiar, and comforting.
But even as I laughed and enjoyed the evening, a part of me couldn't shake the lingering thoughts about music. Mom's words stayed with me, echoing in the back of my mind.
"Don't let fear decide for you."
I told myself I had moved on, that I was focusing on law school now. But was I really? Or was I just running away from something that once meant every thing to me?
As the waiter returned with our meals, I pushed those thoughts away again, deciding to deal with them later.
Tonight was about family. And for now, that was enough.