Miriam Okafor

The shift did not become easier. It became quiet enough to enter without announcing itself. That is sufficient progress before breakfast.

My colleague caught the corner, the section stayed together, and the audience heard exactly none of the rescue. Excellent ensemble work.

Concert black on the outside, blue thread inside the cuff. She repaired it twenty years ago. I reinforced everything around her work and left it untouched.

Cello case by the door, concert shoes beneath it, laundry on the table. Applause does not fold the black clothes for Sunday.

My cousin stopped me after four bars through the phone speaker, corrected the rush, then delivered the family news without changing tone.