That was when a girl caught my attention.She was a couple years younger than me, her hair thin, her body frail.She held on to a guitar, absentmindedly tracing but not playing the strings as she stared out the window.
I walked over and crouched down to her level, keeping my distance.“Do you play?”I asked gently.
She startled and it took her a moment to focus on me as she broke away from whatever deep thoughts had occupied her mind.
“A little,” she said shyly.“But my hands hurt sometimes, so I don’t do it much anymore.”
Toby overheard as he came over with all the other kids in tow.
“Would you like me to play you something?”Toby asked kindly, gesturing to the guitar.
She handed it over.“Be careful, it’s from my older brother.”
“All guitars should be treated like they’re precious glass.With my life on the line, I will protect your guitar.”
The girl’s cheeks grew really red and she looked down.“Okay.”
Toby sat down and really did handle the guitar with great care.He strummed a few strings.“You’ve been taking good care of it,” he remarked, drawing a shy smile out of her.
Toby strummed some more and the kids all settled around.He wasn’t playing any particular song, just a simple melody.But once the last kid got settled and Austin moved to a comfortable spot, the melody changed.It became a soft, heartfelt version of “Silent Night.”
The room grew still as the music filled the space, warmth spreading through the air that had nothing to do with the holiday decorations.I glanced at Austin, who was watching his brother with love, but also a hint of sadness.
Toby played as if the guitar was an extension of himself, clearly completely comfortable with the instrument as his fingers moved with practiced ease.
When he finished, Austin spoke up, forgetting that he was in a room full of others, his gaze stuck on his older brother.“I haven’t heard you play in a long time.”
Toby’s smile slipped a little as he met his brother’s gaze.“I didn’t realize that.I’ll play whenever you want me to.Heck, even when you don’t want me to.Don’t regret it.”
That got Austin to laugh.“I think I changed my mind.You don’t need to play for me ever again.”
Toby shook his head.“Nope.Too late.You asked, and you shall receive.Who am I to deny you my musical skills.”
Austin sighed, knowing it was pointless to win against his brother.
Toby strung a few more notes and everyone settled back down.He slipped into a more upbeat familiar tune and then everyone began singing the Christmas song.Time passed and before we all knew it, Toby practically did a whole Christmas concert.
Once it was over, everyone was clapping and excited.
Toby turned back to the girl.“Thank you for letting me use your precious guitar.”
She hugged it to her.“Thank you for playing for us.Do you think you’d be able to teach me sometime?”
“Anytime you want,” Toby promised.
My chest tightened as I watched them.It wasn’t just the music or the way it lifted all the kids’ spirits.It was the connection it created between Toby and his brother, and the joy it had brought to the girl who wasn’t currently able to play because her fingers hurt too much.
My own memories stirred—of me sitting in a hospital bed, playing my guitar for the other kids in the ward.It had been one of the few ways I could forget my pain while helping to take away some of theirs too.Seeing Toby do the same now was like watching a reflection of those moments, and it affirmed something I hadn’t completely grasped.I knew it was powerful, but until now I never really fully computed what that meant.Music had the power to heal.
After that, we went to a few kids who were bed bound before wrapping up.A nurse helped Austin change back to his normal clothes.Before Toby could disappear into his room, I leaned into him and kissed his cheek.
“What was that for?”he asked.
“You’re really good with them, you know,” I said softly.
He gave me a tender smile.“I want to kiss you so hard right now, but I don’t think anyone will appreciate seeing Santa making out with his cute little elf.”
A giggle bubbled out of me and I shoved him toward his door.“Go change.”
