No Strings Attached

Those words cut through Heidi, leaving her with nowhere to hide her shame. Turning to lan with a pitiful look, she pleaded, "lan, I didn't mean to embarrass Clara. It's perfectly normal not to have any special talents. Not everyone is gifted, you know. You don't have to be so protective of her."

Her words implied that Clara was devoid of any talent and that any attempt would be a spectacle of embarrassment.

lan was about to speak up when Clara's delicate hand covered his mouth. With a twinkle in her eye, she reassured him, "As a proud attorney, do I really need Mr. Hayes to speak for me? Don't worry, lan, I won't let you down."

Turning her gaze to Heidi, Clara asked confidently, "So, what would you like to challenge me to?"

Heidi feigned embarrassment, "Oh, I was just speaking off the cuff. Don't take it to heart. It's okay if you can't perform. I just thought Grandma Rose has been so good to you, and it would be a shame not to do a little something for her birthday, don't you think?"

Clara nodded in apparent agreement. "Well, you have a point. But I only know a bit of piano, and I gave it up in high school because the coursework was just too demanding."

admission. "It's all right, darling. Grandma Rose won't mind. You must still remember 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,' right? Or even 'Happy Birthday' would

Hayes family, tickled Heidi. What a comical scene that would be! Clara would be out of her depth in no time. Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

a sly gleam in her eye, Heidi anticipated Clara's fall from

as if troubled. "Well then, I shall oblige. Let's see what I can remember and

taking her

Birthday' to everyone's surprise. The performance drew murmurs from the crowd. Such a simplistic piece was unheard of among the elite youth's recitals.

'Happy Birthday' faded, and everyone anticipated Clara's awkward exit, the hall was filled once more with the intricate

had played earlier. The song was fast-paced, intensely rhythmic, and notoriously difficult to perform. Yet Clara played with

each other through a snowy landscape,

The audience was entranced.

Heidi's fists clenched involuntarily.