The flute felt heavy. It was a small, silver tube, weighing only a few ounces, but to Alex, it felt heavier than the Premier League trophy.
He sat backstage in the school auditorium.
Through the thick velvet curtains, he could hear the squeak of a violin.
A Year 7 student was murdering a classical piece. It sounded like a cat stuck in a dishwasher.
"Nervous, Professor?"
Alex looked up. Maya was sitting next to him. She was holding a triangle.
"I have played against Real Madrid," Alex said, staring at his flute. "I have scored against Manchester City. I have been tackled by defenders who look like bears. But this... this is terrifying."
"It is just sound waves," Maya said calmly. "Vibrations in the air. Frequency and amplitude. Nothing to be afraid of."
"I don't know the frequency for Hot Cross Buns," Alex whispered. "I only know the frequency for a through-ball."
