Thank you, Bjorn Rudberg, for this amazing photo prompt and thank you, Rochelle, for posting it! I so look forward to Wednesdays and the challenge of writing a 100-word story.
Jittery. Legs shaking.
Ramon shuffles through the curtain of sparkling lights.
Fingers numb. Eyes twitching.
He balances on the three-legged stool
with frayed webbing.
When had he last played?
Ah, yes, his daughter’s fifth birthday
The day he left – was taken.
Today is Anya’s seventh birthday.
If she’s still alive.
Ramon raises the bow,
sees: broken strings, warped wood.
How can he play?
How can he not?
His life depends on it.
The violin’s neck is slightly cracked.
The chinrest feels like ice.
Still, Ramon begins to play a piece by Wagner.
One he’s always despised.
Josef Mengele smiles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Mengele A link to read more about Josef Mengele if you’re so inclined.
Up From the Ashes 