A chair at the rehearsal

Fiction · Original fiction

The choir placed an empty chair beside the piano because their accompanist was away. During the first practice, everyone sang faster than usual. The conductor stopped them and pointed at the chair.

We are waiting for someone who is not here, she said. What are we actually listening to?

A singer tapped the opening rhythm on his folder. Another breathed loudly enough for the group to notice. They began again, this time paying attention to one another.

When the accompanist returned, the chair was occupied and the listening remained. He asked why the opening felt different. The choir could not quite explain it, but they showed him where they now took their breath.