C50 The Edge of Sound 1

The piano room waited like a confession booth — all shadows and restraint, the faint scent of polished mahogany heavy in the air.

Ethan entered without turning on the light. He preferred the dark when he worked. The absence of color made every sound sharper, every vibration cleaner.

He sat down, closing his eyes for a moment, pressing both palms flat against the keys.

Cool ivory. Familiar