Epilogue
Josh
Three months later
Thick snowflakes fall from the sky outside the window, silently covering the shrubs in the garden. The scent of freshly baked cookies wafts in through the crack under the double doors of the music room. Now that I've finished practicing for today, I hear Christmas music playing in the distance.
The world is peaceful, just like I am.
With a contented sigh, I close the piano lid and gather the sheet music. I've only worked for a few hours, but it's enough. Even though the press took a long time to accept it and some fans may be saddened, stepping back as a pianist was the best decision I could make. My passion for music is stronger than ever. And even though Sophia is only with me every other week, my life is richer than it has ever been.
I follow the music into the kitchen, where Maya, Sophia, and Jasmin are baking, singing, and laughing together. Amused, I notice that all three wear sparkling hairbands and matching aprons. As soon as Maya spots me, she dances over to me. A bright yellow smear adorns the tip of her nose, and she holds a whisk in her hand.
"Welcome to the Christmas bakery," she says with a joyful smile, offering me the kitchen utensil. "Try some."
I lean in, kissing her nose because cookie dough tastes even better from there. "Mmm, delicious." Our lips find each other's, tender and gentle. She presses closer to me, and for a moment, we get lost in our own world.
Feeling a cold draft, I turn around and see Maya's friend Elina appear in the doorway, looking a bit breathless. She's been visiting so often in the past few weeks that she could practically move in here as well.
"He's here," she gasps, pulling an envelope out of her bag.
It feels as if everyone in the room is holding their breath. Only the Christmas music continues to play merrily in the background. I can sense the tension in Maya's muscles.
I stroke her back reassuringly. "You can do this."
With a determined nod, she looks up at me, then walks over to Elina to take the letter.
"Open it!" Sophia jumps up from her chair, her legs wiggling in excitement. Flour from her apron dusts off and sprinkles onto the kitchen floor.
Maya's fingers tremble, but she doesn't hesitate. She tears open the envelope noisily and retrieves the paper. Taking a deep breath, she unfolds it and starts reading.
Within seconds, her face lights up.
Oh, how I love that radiance.
"Did it," she whispers, overwhelmed. "I passed biology..."
"...and the rest will follow," Elina finishes her sentence, as Sophia starts a joyful dance.
"For sure," Maya says, blushing pink, glancing between the two of us. I nod at her proudly, and she smiles at me before turning to Elina. "And what about you? Do you know anything yet?"
Elina shakes her head. "Nothing yet."
I have no idea what they're talking about, but I can clearly see Elina's disappointment. Is it about that firefighter she once brought here? They seemed deeply in love, yet something about their togetherness felt strange.
Maya shifts from one foot to the other, seemingly unsure of what to say even though she's usually never at a loss for words.
Silently, the two friends exchange glances. Something is weighing on Elina, and I’m sure Maya knows the reason.
Seemingly with no resolution, they end their silent conversation, and Elina claps her hands. "I want to help," she chirps, grabbing an apron and heading to the sink to wash up. "What are you working on?"
"We're baking a music award," Sophia calls out enthusiastically, and as I look at her, I actually spot something on the countertop in front of her that looks like the oversized clef I've wanted so badly all my life.
I smile to myself. "That's very kind of you."
Sophia busily resumes her work. And as the award slowly takes shape, my thoughts drift further away.
I received this trophy a few months ago in Rome against all expectations. And without even hoping for it anymore. Because even before the ceremony, I knew that what truly matters could never depend on this award.
Nothing in the world is as valuable as the people by my side. No accolade can ever surpass the power of love, and no career goal can bring me the satisfaction I feel today.
True happiness comes from within.
An understanding that will forever be my greatest achievement.