5.29.11 Bad News

The piano tapped out its melancholy tune in the corner almost oblivious of the old musician sitting beside it. But its heartbreaking melody was only second on my mind for my eyes were riveted instead on the two men by the fireplace. They spoke rapidly in hushed tones, one held a piece of crumpled paper between them. Then suddenly the ballroom went silent, the dancers swirled in slow motion, and the lights dimmed. They turned toward me and I shivered in my seat. My hands were shaking, spilling red punch on my gloves. They frowned. One of them was crying.