THE ENTIRE ROOM BECAME TUMULTUOUS

By Ben Greenman

from forthcoming collection, as yet untitled

Last night’s recital found the living room of Mrs. Merritt crowded in every corner on account of Melissa Janson’s return. The program was a selection of sonatas and nocturnes, along with a cowboy song, a prelude, and an original piece called “The Fast Kitty Cat.” Janson had no part in the playing. Her hand, not yet healed from the injury she suffered while rock-climbing with her father and stepfather, was thickly bandaged. And yet, when she was brought to the attention of those present—the announcement came after “2 Sonatinas for Piano,” played by Kiki Johnson—the entire room became tumultuous, and so loud were the cries of approbation that Mrs. Merritt had to call for a temporary halt to the proceedings. Janson stood to thank the crowd but her voice failed her. Her apprehension was understandable, as the applause seemed to be celebrating not only the spectacular way in which she obtained her injury but the blossoming love between Bert Janson and Tom Richards, and while she certainly supported her father’s new life, her mother, who was peremptorily abandoned by her father in favor of Mr. Richards, was sitting right next to her. Melissa wavered in her speech and then wobbled on her feet. She gestured for assistance. Her mother half-stood, put an arm around her daughter’s shoulders, and guided her back into her seat. Mrs. Merritt regained command of the room. Gina Scarborough took the bench and leapt headlong into “Jingling Spurs Humoresque” with an enthusiasm not matched by her aptitude.