“Oh, Nana,” she said softly, leading me to the couch. “How dare they do this to you? Did you report them?”

“I didn’t want to make a fuss. It’s just… it’s been so hard, sweetie. That piano, it’s all I have left of your grandpa.”

Melissa’s eyes filled with tears. “I know, Nana. We’ll fix this, I promise.”

“How?” I asked, feeling hopeless. “They hate my music. They hate me.”

Melissa took my hands in hers, her grip firm and reassuring. “They can shove their hatred up their butts, Nana. They don’t even know you. These entitled brats are about to learn what happens when you mess with the wrong pianist!”

The next day, Melissa was a whirlwind of activity. She made calls, ordered some supplies, and even enlisted the help of some neighbors I’d known for years.

“Nana, we’re going to teach those Grinches a lesson about respect.”

That evening, Melissa set up small speakers around the Grinches’ property, carefully hidden in the boxwood bushes under their windows.

When their car pulled into the driveway, she winked at me. “Show time, Nana!”

As soon as the Grinches disappeared inside, soft piano music began to play from the hidden speakers, barely audible at first. They rushed out, looking confused. Then suddenly, the music changed to a medley of barking dogs and car alarms.

I couldn’t help but giggle as I watched them run around, trying to find the source of the noise.

Melissa grinned triumphantly. “And now, for the grand finale,” she said, pressing a red button on a remote control-like device.

The air was filled with the most ridiculous assortment of fart sounds I’d ever heard. I doubled over with laughter, tears streaming down my face.

“Melissa!” I gasped between giggles. “You’re terrible!”

She hugged me tight. “Nobody messes with my Nana. Besides, a little harmless payback never hurt anyone.”

As we watched the Grinches frantically searching their yard, I was pleased. “Thank you, sweetheart,” I said softly. “For reminding me to stand up for myself.”

The next morning, a crew arrived at my house. To my amazement, they began converting my piano room into a state-of-the-art soundproof studio.

“Now you can play whenever you want, Nana,” Melissa said, squeezing my hand. “No one will ever tell you to stop again.”

As the workers finished up, I sat down at my newly polished piano. My fingers trembled as they touched the keys, but as soon as I began to play, it was like coming home.

The familiar strains of “Moon River” filled the air, and I closed my eyes, feeling Jerry’s presence all around me.

“That’s my girl,” I could almost hear him say. “Play on, Bessie. Play on.”

Melissa danced around the room, a glass of wine in hand. “You rock, Nana!” she cheered. “Grandpa would be so proud.”

As the last notes faded away, I turned to her with tears in my eyes. “Thank you, sweetheart. You’ve given me back my voice.”

“No, Nana,” Melissa said, kneeling beside me. “You’ve always had your voice. I just helped you remember how to use it.”

All too soon, it was time for Melissa to leave. As we stood in the driveway, waiting for her taxi, she handed me the remote control-like device.

“Just in case those Grinches act up again,” she winked. “One press, and it’s fart city. But I don’t think you’ll need it. The whole neighborhood’s got your back now, Nana!”

I hugged her tightly. “I love you so much, Melissa. Thank you for everything.”

“I love you too, Nana. Promise me you’ll keep playing, no matter what anyone says.”

“I promise,” I said, my voice strong and sure.

As I watched the taxi disappear down the street, my phone buzzed. It was a text from my son: “How are you doing, Mom? Melissa told me everything. I’m so proud of you. Love you. ❤️”

I smiled, tears pricking my eyes as I typed back: “I’m doing better than I have in weeks. Thank you for being there for me. I love you too. 🤗🎼”

Turning back to my house, I could have sworn I saw Jerry standing near the piano, arms wide open, beckoning me to play.

I wiped away a stray tear of joy and walked inside, closing the door behind me. The piano was waiting, and this time, nothing would stop me from playing.

As my fingers touched the keys, I felt whole again. The music swelled, filling every corner of my home and my heart. And somewhere, I knew Jerry was listening, smiling, and dancing along.

“This one’s for you, my love,” I whispered, as the melody of our favorite song carried me away. “And for our family, who never gave up on me!”

The notes of “Moon River” floated through the air. As I played, I felt stronger than ever, surrounded by the love of those who mattered most, both here and beyond.