Jakob couldn’t sleep. He was too elated over recent events. He’d been gifted to major things – the ability to walk in sunlight without fear, and the resurrection of his wife. Jess lay sleeping next to him, breathing normally. He listened as the sound of her breathing filled the room, and smiled to himself. Leaning over, he brushed some of her hair aside and kissed her cheek. She smiled in her sleep, shifting only slightly.
He moved the covers aside and got up, stretching. He supposed he was awake because he was too used to being up at night. Quietly, he slipped out of the room, and headed for his studio; he was in the mood to compose something, and wanted to plunk it out on the piano. He stopped before sitting down to grab a pen and some blank sheet music, setting it in front of the piano as he sat down. Humming a little, he began to play, eventually finding a melody he liked, pausing every so often to jot down the notes.
“That’s a beautiful piece.” he looked up to see Samuel leaning in the doorway. He looked worn, tired. Jokob stood op an gestured for him to have a seat. It was odd being amenable to him after all these years. It was the least he could do for the man, seeing all he’d done for Jakob.
“Thank you. It’s not finished yet though.”
“No, I’d wager you’ve a ways to go. Instrumental piece?”
Jakob nodded. “Samuel…I can’t thank you enough. You gave me two gifts without asking anything in return. I’m in your debt for that. I need to let you know that. If there’s anything you need from me, just ask.”
Samuel gave a wry smile. “This should be where I ask for that deal I’ve been pursuing from you for all these years, but I’m not going to, not tonight. All I ask for now is that you don’t stop appreciating what you have, and your new lease on life, so to speak.”
“I’ll try not to take things for granted.”
“May I?” he said, gesturing to the piano. Jakob nodded and let him sit at the bench. Samuel plucked out a few notes, then began to play beautifully – not so much with experience as with heart. Samuel tried to play a piece of the chorus he remembered from so long ago, but it wasn’t right. Too flat and not as multi-dimensional. “I tried.” he muttered.
“Tried what?”
“Nothing, nothing.” he waved his hand dismissively, then played a bit of Chopin before standing up. “I’ll leave you with your muse now – I simply wanted to stop in and listen.”
Jakob nodded, and then Samuel just…wasn’t there. Jakob wondered briefly if he had been there at all, but shook his head and shrugged. What Samuel was capable of was beyond his understanding. He sat down, continuing to compose his piece until he got it the way he liked it, perfecting it just as the first rays of sunlight began to seep into the room.