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Melody was not good at reading others’ emotions. Because of this, her dad helped her study facial expressions every afternoon and always made sure to keep his expressions obvious. When he was happy, he would make sure to smile widely. When he scolded her, he made sure to furrow his brows and frown. But at the moment, his posture was rigid and his face was blank. To Melody, he was unreadable. He basically looked like a statue while sitting in his chair. Only his fingers moved as they rhythmically tapped to what Melody recognized as Saint Saens’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso.
“Melody attacked another student today,” the principal began, “She told us several weeks ago that the other student has been taunting her and was doing so again today, and while that is frustrating, it did not warrant physical violence. We understand Melody’s… condition , but we can not accept this type of behavior.”
Kousei didn’t even bat an eye at the information. Instead, he turned his head to look at his daughter. Although she couldn’t understand the feelings behind his gaze, Melody felt its weight. She looked down and clenched and unclenched her fist, ashamed of what Kousei might think of her.
“What was the kid taunting her about?” he asked, his voice even.
“I was told he was making fun of her name,” the principal replied.
Although it was hardly visible, Kousei clenched his jaw. Melody only noticed it because she was used to studying every movement his face made, no matter how small. According to her emotion cards, a clenched jaw signified anxiety, stress, or anger. Judging from its context, she assumed her father was angry.
His voice was just as monotone as before when he asked, “What exactly was the kid saying?”
The principal opened a file in front of her and flipped through some of the pages.
“Let me see… oh, ‘What type of name is Melody? It’s weird, your parents must have been drunk when they named you. Either that or they’re mental.’” The principal looked up from the file, her eyebrows creased which signified worry. Was she worried what Kousei would think about the taunting? Melody wasn’t sure.
This entire time, Kousei never took his eyes off his daughter.
“I’m sorry,” the principal said, “I didn’t realize the student said something like that. But still, we can’t excuse what Melody did.” This did make Kousei turn his head.
He said, “Her mother named her. My wife, who has come to be known as Japan’s best violinist, named our daughter. Not only did this student indirectly insult my wife, he directly insulted her as well. Melody was defending her mother’s honor, and I don’t understand how that’s a bad thing.”
“B-but hurting another student-!”
“Should not be the first resort. I agree. But you mentioned that this student has been bothering Melody for a while now, and that she asked a teacher for help. I’m willing to bet the teacher didn’t help at all and only made things worse. If anything, I should be the one calling you to my office, Hinata, for not doing anything about the situation even after my daughter specifically asked for help.”
Her eyebrows were now completely furrowed, meaning she was angry. Melody didn’t think she had the right to be angry, because Kousei was right. The principal and staff had done nothing, which led to Melody attacking the other kid. If anything, this was their fault too.
“You can’t be serious!” she exclaimed, “Melody is the reason why another student is bloody and bruised right now! And you’re encouraging it?!”
“Of course not,” he responded, calm as ever, “But I know that Melody isn’t a violent person. You’ve seen her when she has her breakdowns. She hides herself and is never aggressive. Even when she’s overstimulated and someone tries to touch her, she doesn’t swat at them, she just moves away. She only reacted like this because the situation called for it. So if you excuse us, I have a recital to practice for.”
He rose from his seat, leaving the principal gaping at him. He offered his hand to Melody, and she took it. He gave her a small smile, happy since holding hands wasn’t something the two did often. They quickly left the office, ignoring the shouts of the principal.
“Thank you,” she said when they got in the car. Kousei said nothing and simply nodded. Melody was about to turn away when she realized there were tears streaming down his face. Judging from the way his face was strained, the tears were of sadness.
“Papa, why are you crying?” she asked.
“Melody, have I ever told you why your Mama named you that?” She thought about it, but not once had she learned the reason. She shook her head, and Kousei gave her a small smile. Was he sad and happy at the same time? That was contradictory, it didn’t make sense. Maybe the smile was fake? Melody couldn’t tell.
“Melody is a name used in the US, and as you might have guessed, it means the same as メロディー in Japanese. Music has always been the most important thing in your Mama’s life, and I honestly believe it was the reason she survived her surgery at fourteen. I feel like she was too stubborn to die before she accomplished her dreams of becoming a world renowned musician. But when you were born, you became what she valued most. She gave you that name to remind all of us that you’re worth more than even her life’s passion.”
Without realizing it, Melody started crying. Kousei gently squeezed her arm, and the pressure helped alleviate some of her anxiety.
“Do you think mama would approve of what I did today?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
“Yes,” he replied, matching her voice level, “She’d approve. She is fiery, just like you.”
“Papa, you said is .”
“Oh… you’re- you’re right. I meant was .”
Kaori Miyazono had accomplished all her dreams of growing up, having a family, and performing; which is why a month ago, she was finally able to let the disease win.