The Friday Fictioneer Challenge: Write a 100-word story based on the photo.
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Photo copyright Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
First Chair
Graziella opened the windows, her gnarled hands aching with the effort. Each morning her downstairs neighbor practiced the violin. Upstairs, Graziella listened as much with her heart as with her ears.
Sitting under the open window, she held her old violin and bow motionless in her lap. With eyes closed, she remembered the Vienna State Opera, just after the war. Life was hard, so very hard. Music helped them heal.
She could still hear the conductor’s tap tap tap. On cue, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra began to play as one musical, magical creature, when hers was the First Chair Violin.
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To read other Friday Fictioneer stories based on this photo, select the smiley blue frog.
It's a long story ... 
Arthritis is a bastard, particularly for a talented musician.
Good piece.
Agree. Sadly, good things do come to an end, too soon for so many people.
Dear Tresha,
A heart wrenching story well told. Violin is my favorite musical instrument beside.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Very touching. I really sense the loss but also the joy, in being able to listen and imagine and remember.
Yes, there was much joy when she played, and much joy when she listened.
What happy memories. Sadly age takes its toll.
Rosey Pinkerton’s blog
A poignant scene. I love how you touch on Graziela’s story – the war, the orchesra, her lost life. Wonderful.
Hauntingly sad. Well done.
Wonderful story. I love how the music is woven through the story as her guiding light. And now, even though she can’t play any longer, she can listen, and the music still helps.
Thank you, and you’re right: the music helps, and makes her smile.
You keep getting better at this. I keep enjoying reading.
Poor old lady. My 90 year old mother has had to give up making lace because of arthritis.
Yes, so many activities have to be let go at some time.
Only three years ago I had to give up cartwheels and handstands. Now I can’t even put my head upside down without disorienting vertigo. Looking up too sharply is going to be the next to go. Who knew how much this would cramp my style?!