(A)
Every day after school, Sally walked home through the park. She liked listening to music in her headphones and looking at the trees on her way home. One day, while she was changing songs, she heard strange, unpolished music. She took off her headphones and followed the music through the park. She saw a kind-looking old woman sitting on a small bench and playing the violin. While (a) her music wasn’t perfect, there was something warm and welcoming about it. So, Sally walked closer.
(B)
The following day, they met at the same bench. Sally was happy to hear the old woman’s music again, but when she sat, the woman stopped playing. “Today is your first full lesson,” she said as she handed the violin to Sally. (b) She showed the young woman how to place her fingers on the strings. After an hour, she had learned some basics. Then, the old woman played the same music from the day before. Sally promised to meet her every day and started walking home. As she walked, simple, unpolished music was playing in her mind.
(C)
The old woman asked Sally if she played any instruments. Suddenly, Sally remembered learning the recorder from her older sister Beatrice when she was a girl. Beatrice had said, “You just have no musical talent.” Sally looked back to the old woman sadly and told (c) her the story. The old woman winked, handed the violin to Sally, and said, “You don’t need talent to enjoy playing.” Feeling brave, Sally accepted the instrument and tried playing. The sound was rough, and she felt embarrassed. But the old woman just smiled and said, “That’s how it begins. (d) I hope to see you again tomorrow.”
(D)
“Hello! Are you going to listen to my performance?” the old woman looked up and asked. Sally laughed and replied, “Oh sorry, I was just passing by.” (e) She turned to continue walking home, but decided to stop for a bit and listen. After the woman’s music finished, Sally asked her when she had started playing the violin. “I just started last year, but I always wanted to learn,” the woman answered. Sally was impressed by her response. Even though she loved listening to music, she could not play any instruments well.
