A Graduation Gift

Never in his life had Rufus ever seen this side of his mother. From what he could remember since childhood, she had always preoccupied with something, always strict but with a touch of tenderness to him.

For innumerable times, little Rufus watched as she ever so slightly straightened her body and stretched out her arms to the back. He noticed how exhausted she'd appeared to be whenever she thought that he wasn't looking; else, she would always make it a point to look gleeful and lively.

For as long as he could remember, she had always been such a stubborn mother; yet at this moment, she seemed to be the most beautiful and majestic pianist as well, serenading all of them through her melodic music with such grace.

The soothing and sweet-sounding notes bounced and danced around on the keys, spreading all throughout the air of the store.

Her play might have already concluded, but the storekeeper was still dumbstruck and in awe of the plainly dressed woman who had just played such a magnificent piece of beautiful music for him to bask in, looking as if he was peering much deeper into her delicate face.

"Bravo! That was a very spectacular performance!"

An unusual voice exclaimed from out of nowhere, succeeded by an enthusiastic applause. Rufus trailed where the voice was coming from and realized it was actually from the customer who played on the piano just a couple of minutes prior.

Astonishment and admiration had been written all over his face. Gazing upon his mother, little Rufus was so deep in thought for it was something he truly wasn't quite expecting.

His mother carefully stood up from her seat with an air of silent regality. Then she shifted her gaze over to the owner and said, "Sir, would you please apologize to my son this instant?"

son's pride was the sole reason she resorted to doing this. Her perfect posture was akin to that

until now. His face suddenly flushed red with discomfiture and he stuttered so much that it made no sense

that she still managed to put out a solid performance. To think that she hasn't even played for so long. It must have been years since the last

his

had been a result of doing manual labor.

onlooker was backing up the mother and son. To be specific, the spectator

man," he said under his breath, "I'm really sorry. I apologize for acting so rude and saying all those things to you. If you're interested, you're much welcome to visit my place any time you want in the future. I

with regret, the store owner leaned over and rested

will always be someone smarter than you. The owner had never felt so ashamed in his whole life.

on his back, Rufus understood in an

mother had always taught me to forgive others once they've apologized and reflected upon their mistake.

upbringing he had received from his mother. The customer who watched as all of this transpired seemed to be quite satisfied with

along softly as the store owner carefully straightened his back. Grabbing Rufus's hand, she squeezed it a little and then proceeded to exit the store.

outside. Little Rufus's heart basked in it, filled to the brim with such

had no clue whatsoever that his mother could play the piano, and she was even so