Short Story: A Night in Chicago

A Night in Chicago

Backstage, Isabella met Manuel as they waited to audition. Love at first sight. Both became teenage stars. Both realized after a few years that the life of an artist was too unpredictable in an already overly unpredictable world. The day after receiving their business degrees, they had a joyous wedding.

She called him "El," he called her "La."

The music world in Chicago at that time was not large. Their grandfathers had played in the same band decades before.

Both men remained friends. Whether coincidence or fate, both passed away the same month, leaving their life-savings to the newlyweds.

El y La, as their act was known, decided to buy the club where they first met.

The first year was tough going. After a while, combining their business education with knowledge and connections, their little club became modestly profitable.

On this particular night, El and La were angry with each other: they fought over which acts to hire for the following season.

As they counted the money and cleaned the club, they did not speak to each other. When their gaze met, they frowned. They frowned so much, they started to exaggerate which made them laugh- at first shy/half-hidden giggles blossoming into uproarious laughter.

They resumed their after hour chores while the lead alto player, Raphael was packing up. He kept putting his horn away, then setting up again. Raphael just didn't want to leave the magic of the place. He begins to improvise. At first, he is unsure of what he wants his horn to say.

He thinks of his father a professional French horn player. Raphael doodles around with a phrase from dad's favorite concerto by Mozart.

Raphael plays in Big Bands. It is the avant-garde however which has captured his imagination. He has been studying Zen. He begins to meditate-a playing mediation similar to his morning walking meditations.

Manuel becomes increasingly drawn to Raphael's new sounds.

Isabella, as far as possible from her husband as the little club will allow, also becomes fascinated.
As the two listen, they drift closer.

He gently touches her shoulder. She, his check. They hold the moment, looking into each others souls... through their sparkling eyes. The most subtle smile seems to make them both gradually, imperceptibly glow. They tenderly embrace then dance while the rest of the world sleeps.

Raphael finishes playing. He leaves the club, barely noticing Isabella and Manuel. He silently moves on.