(stream of consciousness)

The stage is bathed in a warm glow, the grand piano positioned at its center like a majestic queen. This is it, my last concert. The culmination of years of practice, dedication, and passion. The weight of the moment settles on my shoulders, mingling with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.

As I sit on the bench, my fingers hover over the keys, trembling with anticipation. I close my eyes, taking a moment to breathe, to feel the connection between my soul and the instrument that has been my faithful companion for so long. The audience sits in hushed silence, waiting, expecting.

The first notes fill the air, delicate and poignant. My heart swells with the music, the melody flowing effortlessly through my fingertips. Each note is imbued with emotion, with the stories and experiences that have shaped me as a musician. The piano becomes an extension of myself, an instrument of expression.

Memories flood my mind as I play. The countless hours spent practising in solitude, the joy of discovering a new piece, the frustration of mastering a difficult passage. Every performance, every triumph, and every stumble has led me to this moment. I embrace them all, allowing them to guide me through the music.

The music takes on a life of its own, resonating within the confines of the concert hall. I am transported to a realm where time and space cease to exist, where only the language of music prevails. The keys beneath my fingers become an intricate dance, a dialogue between artist and instrument.

But beneath the surface, a bittersweet undercurrent lingers. This is my last concert, and with each passing note, I am bidding farewell to a part of my life. The realization washes over me like a gentle wave, tugging at my heartstrings. The stage has been my confidant, and soon they will become distant memories.

As the final notes resound, the audience erupts into applause, their cheers and ovation filling the hall. I rise from the bench, my hands trembling with a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. I take a blow, acknowledging the love and appreciation radiating from the crowd.

Tears well up in my eyes as I gaze upon the sea of faces, knowing that this is the last time I will experience this euphoria. The journey of a pianist, of a performer, has come to an end. But as I walk off the stage, a sense of fulfillment washes over me. I have shared my passion, my love for music, with the world.

And even though this chapter may be closing, I know that music will forever be a part of me. It will continue to resonate in my soul, whispering its melodies in quiet moments. The piano may no longer be my stage, but its keys will forever hold the echoes of my dreams and the beauty of my artistry.