Music

Austria steadied her breathing as she closed her eyes and lifted the violin under her chin. She told herself the room was empty, that her friends were in the other room, enjoying themselves instead of watching her.

 

She brought the bow to the violin, hands shaking lightly. And she began to play.

 

Her hands steadied as the familiar sound of the violin filled the room. It was a song she made herself, but had never played for anyone.

East Germany listened carefully, watching for any mistakes he could catch, but there were none. He continued to listen, and he let his thoughts drift.

 

He didn't recognise the song, so there was a chance this was an original piece by Austria. But she rarely made music this sombre.

 

It took a bit for him to understand what the song was about, but when he did understand it, he had to hold back a tear. This song had elements of music from throughout the decades, and especially leaned into a style that Austria played during the 1930s through the 1940s.

 

While he knew his government took her country over, he still felt guilty. Her lack of resistance then reminded him of his lack of action in the start, and the song represented just that.

West Germany crossed his arms and closed his eyes. He didn't recognise the piece either, but he quickly realised the time period her sound was pulling from.

 

The song felt divided, as if two instruments were playing together. One soft and confident. The other hopeful but hesitant. It was almost strange how a simple song with only a violin could make him feel the pain he felt in the aftermath of world war two.

 

He was still a child then, but he wasn't ignorant. It was difficult to listen to, until the harmonies played seemed to become one. He smiled to himself.

Switzerland sat still, observing the techniques used. Austria was talented, she knew that, but this was exceptional. It seemed her recent interest in the violin made her even better than before.

 

She noticed the many traditional artists this song was inspired by. The biggest influence being Mozart, Austria's favourite.

 

The structure itself was also interesting. It fell and rose in careful steps. Something about this felt almost folktale-like.

 

Austria had made a song that felt restrained and rebellious at once.

Liechtenstein sat still, as still as she could. She was afraid that her breathing would break the moment. But it didn't.

 

She didn't know much about music theory, didn't play any instruments unlike everyone else in the room. But somehow, the song made her feel warm. It was like a comforting house. But the house was empty.

 

If that wasn't strange then she didn't know what was. Liechtenstein smiled wider than normal, even if Austria's eyes were closed, she wanted to show that she enjoyed the music.

Austria opened her eyes as the last note faded. For a moment, she couldn't bring herself to look at anyone. Her hands trembled lightly as she lowered the violin.

 

When she finally did look, everyone was smiling, except East Germany, whose mouth was slightly open. As she bowed to finish her performance, she got a round of applause.

 

Maybe the room didn't need to be empty after all.