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?"

pride was the sole reason she resorted to doing this. Her perfect posture was akin

His face suddenly flushed red with discomfiture

have been flawless, I can say for sure 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 time she

the man, then shifted his

calloused hands. And one must've thought that those had been a result of doing manual labor. However, none of those insignificant details would be enough to lessen her gracefulness and dignity

up the mother and son.

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 store owner leaned over and rested his hands

so ashamed in his whole life. Never would he have

his back, Rufus understood in

forgive others once they've apologized and reflected upon their mistake. And with that,

respectful and well-mannered even as a young boy, thanks to the upbringing he had received from his mother. The customer who watched as all of

faint smile, the mother nodded along softly as the store owner carefully straightened his back. Grabbing Rufus's hand, she squeezed it a little

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

his mother could play the piano, and she was even so good at