All Frederick's fear about Morris disappeared just like that. He hoped Morris would be gone for good, but he had no idea if Morris would ever show himself again.

Perhaps Jackie would gradually forget Morris. After all, she had not known him for long.

"Now that Morris is gone, are you still giving up on the piano? You can pick it up again and practice more. Jackie likes to hear you play, after all."

"I won't spend too much time practicing the piano," Frederick said, his voice resolute.

"Dad, I'm giving up piano, and I mean it. I know no matter how hard I practice, I won't be able to create that uniqueness Jackie talked about in the sound of the piano..."

Frederick tried to play less mechanically but failed. He knew it was futile trying to keep Jackie with his piano playing. It was Morris this time, and it could be someone else next time.

There were plenty of talented pianists around the world. Jackie could fall in love with someone else's playing at any time.

Knowing this, Freder