The Violin in the Lost Property Room
Chapter 2 - The unwanted gift
The violin belonged to the teenager's grandfather. He had given it to her, believing she wanted to become a musician. She practiced because it made him happy, until every lesson felt like another promise she could not keep.
She left the case on the train rather than tell him. At home, he had helped her search station websites without once blaming her.
"I thought he would hate me if I stopped," she said.
Sam asked her to identify the repaired strap and an inscription beneath the chin rest. She knew both. He could return the instrument once her family confirmed ownership, but he would not help invent a different story.
She called her grandfather from the station bench. Sam stayed far enough away not to hear.
