She could feel Ms. Frederica’s scrutinizing glare on her, causing her tiny fingers to tremble on the piano keys. Frowning, she tried her hardest to focus.

“Miss, I have been noticing for a few days that your shoulders get very stiff when you play, which puts all the pressure entirely on your wrists. As I instructed earlier, your shoulders and arms up to the wrists should be relaxed. Are we clear on this point, miss?”

After the lesson ended, her piano instructor, Ms. Frederica, pointed out her mistakes with a demonstration, and she copied it a few times.

“I understand, Ms. Frederica. I will keep that in mind,” she obediently replied, getting up from her seat, ready to leave.

“Are you ready to leave, miss? There are still 15 minutes left, so it would be best if you could practice during this time.” Seeing her rush to leave the lesson early, Ms. Frederica reminded her, scanning her actions.

“I have already memorized it, Ms. Frederica, and you will see the results in the next lesson. Now, please excuse me. Thank you for your lesson, good evening, and have a nice weekend.”

She left the room after bidding goodbye to her teacher. A big smile appeared on her rosy lips, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. Not wasting any more time, she quickly climbed the stairs, but her destination wasn’t her room. Making sure she was not noticed by any of the maids, she opened the attic door inaudibly and sneaked in. As expected, she was greeted by the warm smile of her newly made friend. Although the room was mostly used for storage, it was organized under her mother’s supervision and cleaned frequently. Without hesitation, she sat down on the floor, finding her place among the scattered paper and crayons.

“Young miss, you’re quite early. Did you skip your lesson today?” Joy asked, a little scared. Despite her young age, she knew if the madam of the house found out, she would be angry at her mother.

“No, Joy, you know I’m not allowed to do that, but I finished quickly today,” she reassured her with a smile.

“And secondly, we’re friends, so you should call me by my name, just like I call yours. I don't like being called ‘young miss’ by you too,” Isla objected with a pout.

“But young miss, isn’t that also your other name? Everyone calls you that,” Joy questioned, as if stating a fact. Hearing the slyest answer in the most innocent way made her laugh. She quickly covered her mouth to conceal her laughter.

“Oh my God! You are so cute and silly. That’s not my name, but it’s alright. And here, I’ll give you my favorite candy too because you’re so funny.”

She said between giggles while taking candy out of her pocket, which she had kept for her. Joy giggled and cheerily accepted it, even though she didn’t understand what Isla was saying, but she was happy nonetheless.

“Hey Joy, before you came here, did you ever go outside and play? I can’t do such things; Mother will be angry if I even mention going outside, but Hannah is not like that.”

She asked eagerly, stopping her coloring.

“No, Mama told me I can’t go out to play with other kids because I am not healthy like other kids and I get tired easily, so I didn’t,” she replied dejectedly, still busy coloring. Hearing that, Isla felt sad, but then her eyes sparkled with an idea. She decided to show her special place to cheer her up. One day when she was very sad, Roslina had shown it to her, and afterwards, it became their special secret place. From the top window of this very attic, you could see the whole city sparkle like jewels. She wanted to stare at those tiny glimmers of light all night if she could. She giggled, thinking about Joy's expression upon witnessing the marvelous sight.

“Joy, I am leaving for now, but you must come here after Hannah falls asleep. I will show you something amazing,” getting up, she excitedly told her.

“You mean at night? But it will be very dark and creepy. I don’t like that, and if Mama finds out, she will be furious,” Joy asked, scared.

“Hmm… Then how about I come to get you, but you must not fall asleep till then, okay? Don't be a scaredy cat.”

“But Madam would never allow it,” Joy was still hesitant.

“Which is why we’re not going to tell anyone, and this will be only between you and me. Oh goodness, I am getting late. See you then,” emphasizing on keeping it a secret, she quickly strode away.