{"id":5493,"date":"2022-05-23T11:31:52","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T17:31:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/?page_id=5493"},"modified":"2022-05-23T20:34:40","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T02:34:40","slug":"bach-from-the-grave","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/fiction-fridays\/bach-from-the-grave\/","title":{"rendered":"Bach from the Grave"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.blubrry.com\/id\/81564648#\" title=\"Blubrry Podcast Player\" scrolling=\"no\" width=\"100%\" height=\"138px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"188\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Bach_From_The_Grave_Book_Cover-188x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Bach_From_The_Grave_Book_Cover-188x300.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Bach_From_The_Grave_Book_Cover.jpg 563w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 188px) 100vw, 188px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam Heckel twisted his hands in his lap and shifted himself on the lumpy couch in the music school\u2019s locker room. A freshman at Belton University, he\u2019d pledged the band fraternity, Beta Alpha Nu Delta. At least the hazing hadn\u2019t been too bad so far. Nothing compared to other fraternities. Sure, he\u2019d stayed up all night cleaning after the frat party a couple of nights ago. And the older guys had forced the pledges to sing in polka dot boxers outside the girls\u2019 dorm at three in the morning. But at least no one had shoved his head in a toilet like in high school. Yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHeckel. Get over here.\u201d Barry, the senior trombonist, waved one large arm, gesturing for Adam to join him next to the lockers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A twinge of terror passed through Adam\u2019s body as he strode next to the guy. The metal bars on the instrument lockers brought back uncomfortable memories from high school. Playing the bassoon hadn\u2019t been an easy choice, especially when the other kids found out the unfortunate Spanish translation of the word. After that discovery, they\u2019d stuffed him in a locker on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/videoseries?list=PLUhhyFY2dpoPgRE4TPbgvlQX30iLkqIvT\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barry crossed his arms. \u201cSo what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cUm, about what?\u201d Adam\u2019s voice squeaked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAbout the Fraternity Fall Festival. It\u2019s up to you pledges to decide what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam swallowed. \u201cHow about a chili cookoff?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo good.\u201d Barry scowled. \u201cThe Fijis do that every year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMaybe a haunted house?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAre you an idiot?\u201d Barry wagged his finger. \u201cEvery fraternity on this entire campus does a haunted house. We wouldn\u2019t stand a chance to win.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam wouldn\u2019t dream of joining one of the other fraternities. He only wanted to join Beta Alpha Nu Delta to meet fellow musicians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Band.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5604\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Band.png 900w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Band-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Band-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou pledges better come up with something brilliant by Halloween.\u201d Barry held his fist inches from Adam\u2019s nose. \u201cThat\u2019s two days away. If you fail and nobody shows up, don\u2019t expect an acceptance letter come Initiation. And you\u2019ll have me to reckon with.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam shuddered. College wasn&#8217;t so different from high school after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bassoon.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bassoon.png 900w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bassoon-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bassoon-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">###<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel Guzm\u00e1n took a deep breath, then placed his fingers on the keys. The sound of the organ shattered the silence of the recital hall. He got the best practice room at the school, one of the advantages of being an organ major. Good thing, too. He needed the practice, considering the challenging set he\u2019d planned for Mass on All Saints Day. Only&nbsp; a few days away. Normally it wasn\u2019t hard to choose repertoire for Sunday services. Play Bach and everyone would be happy. But this time he prayed the congregation wouldn\u2019t boo him from the balcony. What would they think of his prelude selection, Messiaen\u2019s \u201cApparition de l\u2019\u00e9glise \u00e9ternelle,\u201d or Jean Langlais\u2019 \u201cIncantation pour un jour Saint\u201d for postlude? Would they murder him for his modern taste? Not that he didn\u2019t enjoy the classics. But you could only play Bach so many times in a year and maintain your sanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The dissonant chords mirrored his mood. It had only been a year since the accident. He closed his eyes to block out the memory. Time to focus on the music at hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A knock wrenched him from his reverie. The door creaked open to reveal Adam Heckel standing in the doorway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cA bit intense for Sunday church, don\u2019t you think?\u201d Adam strode next to the organ bench.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/videoseries?list=PLUhhyFY2dpoOTaYeOYzh6cMzWhWOzvZ70\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel sighed. \u201cOh no. If you as a music major think it\u2019s too much, what on earth will the priest say?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam shrugged. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry about it. Father Joseph seems pretty open-minded about music.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel ran a hand through his thick black hair. \u201cI hope you\u2019re right. When can I schedule you to play?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam laughed. \u201cYou think they\u2019d want to hear a bassoon solo?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSure. You said Father Joseph likes new music.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI suppose you could schedule me sometime in Advent. But in return, I need a favor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWhat kind?\u201d Miguel frowned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam shifted on the balls of his feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCome on. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ll say yes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll right. Here goes. I need you to play Bach\u2019s <em>Toccata and Fugue in D Minor<\/em> at a Halloween concert for Beta Alpha Nu Delta. I know you hate fraternities, and probably think the holiday is sacrilegious, but I\u2019m out of options.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel\u2019s breath caught in his throat. Didn\u2019t see that coming. \u201cWhy do you want to be in that frat anyway? I saw how they treated you and the other pledges last weekend. I want nothing to do with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam scrunched up his nose. \u201cI was afraid you\u2019d say that. Anything I can do to change your mind? Play two services during Advent?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s not just the fraternity.\u201d Miguel dropped his gaze. \u201cI have other plans that night.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI see.\u201d Adam sighed. \u201cThought it was worth a shot. You know how everyone loves creepy organ music this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel gritted his teeth. \u201cYes. I\u2019m aware.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWell, I\u2019d better figure out something else before Barry decides to kill me.\u201d Adam turned to leave. \u201cSorry to interrupt your practice time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">###<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Halloween night, Adam glanced around the nearly empty recital hall. So far, no one but his fellow pledge brothers had showed up for the Halloween concert. One of the trumpeters had dressed up as a ghost in what Adam guessed was a dirty sheet off his dorm room bed. A freshman clarinetist in a chicken suit was squawking through scales onstage. How appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/E5LrOeh7iIE\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam adjusted his own Grim Reaper costume. What was the point of spending fifty dollars on this outfit for no one to show up? Besides, he\u2019d spent all day decorating the stage when he should\u2019ve been practicing. A collection of jack-o-lanterns beamed from the sides, and a giant witch hung from the ceiling. In the center of the stage, he\u2019d covered the old organ in faux cobwebs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A second later, Barry barged through the recital hall doors dressed as Frankenstein\u2019s monster, followed by the rest of the upperclassmen in similar attire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cHeckel, where\u2019s the audience?\u201d He crossed his thick arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam glanced out the window where a large crowd of sorority girls clustered around the chili cook off table. Maybe he should\u2019ve come up with a party that involved food rather than esoteric classical music. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ETPL15b56zk\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cSorry\u2019s not good enough.\u201d Barry yanked Adam\u2019s arms behind his back. \u201cHey, Russel, hand me the duct tape.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A guy in a wizard hat pulled a roll of duct tape from his cloak and handed it to Barry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam flinched as the sticky material cemented his wrists together, followed by a strip over his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTake him to my car.\u201d Barry barked. The wizard yanked him by the arms down the aisle and into the chilly night air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cGet in.\u201d He shoved him into the back seat. Barry climbed into the driver\u2019s seat. \u201cLooks like you won\u2019t get a bid after all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">###<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel punched the brakes of his old sedan as a group of trick-or-treaters crossed the street in front of him. Why\u2019d they all wear such dark costumes instead of something easier to see at night? Obviously these kids hadn\u2019t grown up in a Hispanic home on <em>D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He fingered his own suit covered in red and gold trim. Every year, he wore the traditional attire along with Mama\u2019s homemade <em>calavera <\/em>skull mask.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few miles later, he pulled into a deserted cemetery and parked the car. Other than a few moonbeams which cast shadows through the trees, darkness enveloped the place. If anyone else saw him here, they\u2019d think him crazy. But who cared? He wasn\u2019t doing this for them. Tonight he would honor Camila.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lump formed in his throat as he grabbed the bouquet of marigolds from the passenger seat, along with a couple candles and a lighter. The holiday had been more fun in the past when he\u2019d celebrated with his family. But this year was different. He brushed tears from his eyes as he marched toward his little sister\u2019s grave. The image of a semi crashing into their car flashed before his eyes. Only nine months since the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A moment later, a loud moan pierced the silence. Who else would be here at this time of night? Was it some kind of Halloween prank? The cry rent the air again, louder than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heartbeat pounding, Miguel squinted in the direction of the noise. For a moment he froze, rooted to the spot. \u201cWho\u2019s there?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; \u201cAAaaam,\u201d the muffled voice mumbled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAdam, is that you?\u201d Miguel rushed to the tall obelisk where Adam sat duct-taped to the stone. Kneeling beside his friend, he pulled the tape from Adam\u2019s mouth. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cBarry and the other frat guys,\u201d Adam gasped. \u201cThey were furious about the turnout for the Halloween Concert, so they brought me here and left.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel\u2019s heartbeat quickened as he scrambled to free Adam. \u201cI knew they were scumbags, but I can\u2019t believe they\u2019d sink this low. They should go to jail for this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tears streamed down Adam\u2019s cheeks. \u201cI was stupid to want to be one of them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel pulled the last of the tape off Adam\u2019s wrists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThanks.\u201d Adam shivered. \u201cThis place gives me the creeps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI suppose.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt doesn\u2019t for you?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes grew large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNot really.\u201d Miguel shrugged. \u201cI come here every year to visit my grandparents\u2019 graves. This place is my tie to history. It\u2019s part of the Hispanic way of life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam gestured at the bouquet of flowers. \u201cIs that why you brought those?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel shook his head. \u201cNot tonight. These are for\u2026\u201d\u2014he swallowed\u2014\u201cmy sister. Camila.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cOh, Miguel, I\u2019m sorry. I didn\u2019t realize\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d He blinked back a tear. \u201cShe was only ten. I was supposed to protect her. I should\u2019ve seen that truck coming.\u201d He winced. \u201cI don\u2019t like to talk about it. It\u2019s still\u2026 You know.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI get it.\u201d Adam patted him on the back. \u201cI lost my older brother when I was a kid. He was my best friend. Always stood up for me at school. Once he was gone, nobody looked out for me anymore.\u201d He glanced at his wrist, still red from the tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam rubbed his forehead. \u201cAny chance you\u2019d give me a ride back when you\u2019re done? No need to rush. I\u2019ll wait here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel placed a hand on his shoulder. \u201cCome with me if you want. I could use a brother about now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cReally?\u201d Adam\u2019s eyes brightened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As they walked in silence to Camila\u2019s grave, the tightness in Miguel\u2019s chest loosened. Maybe having a friend with him tonight was better than going through this alone. He needed a brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel knelt beside the tombstone and pulled a picture of Camila and himself from his suit pocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat\u2019s her?\u201d Adam knelt next to him. \u201cLooks like you two were close.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel bit his lip, unable to form words. He laid the bouquet on the grave and handed the candles and lighter to Adam, who flicked on the flame and lit the wicks. For several moments, the two sat together in silence in the soft glow of the flickering candles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI suppose we\u2019d better get back.\u201d Miguel sighed. \u201cI\u2019ve got a concert to play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam jerked his head up. \u201cWhat? There\u2019s no way I\u2019m going back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI thought you wanted me to play Bach?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou told me no. Besides, don\u2019t you play at Mass early tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel chuckled. \u201cMaybe I need a dress rehearsal. And I want to show those fake brothers of yours what a Halloween concert\u2019s really like.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">###<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam grinned at his reflection in Miguel\u2019s car mirror. \u201cThis is awesome! No one will recognize me. I can\u2019t believe you had a spare mask on hand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel laughed. \u201cWhat\u2019d you expect on <em>D\u00eda de los Muertos<\/em>?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe artistry on this skull is incredible.\u201d Adam leaned closer to the mirror. The lines swirled around his eyes and mouth in multiple directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMom made it for me years ago. She often gives them as gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They pulled into the music school\u2019s parking lot. Outside, a crowd of people still clustered around the chili cook-off table. Even the BAND brothers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam climbed out of the car. \u201cSmells like they subbed alcohol for the chili.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel clicked his door shut and hit the lock button. \u201cYeah, I\u2019ll bet they snuck in some booze.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A glance at a burly guy standing next to the table sent a shiver down Adam\u2019s spine. \u201cBarry\u2019s chugging something. Don\u2019t let him see me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ORGAN.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ORGAN.png 900w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ORGAN-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ORGAN-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel nodded as he pulled out his phone. \u201cHead inside the recital hall and make sure everything\u2019s ready for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Darkness enveloped Adam as he stepped into the empty room. Sure enough, all the others had bailed for the night for the more exciting party outside. Would anyone turn up if Miguel played? Or was it too late?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A couple minutes later, an eerie spotlight shone from the ceiling, illuminating the antique organ. Miguel crept out from a backstage door, an intimidating sight in his suit and mask. He climbed onto the bench, raised his hands above the cobwebbed keys, and began to play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The strains of Bach\u2019s <em>Toccata and Fugue in D Minor <\/em>burst from the instrument like a phantom from a grave. Miguel must\u2019ve pulled out all the stops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bach.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bach.png 900w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bach-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Bach-768x432.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recital hall doors flew open. A dozen costumed students streamed inside, followed by the rest of the crowd, cups in hand. Guys dressed as zombies. Girls in slender black cat costumes. A few people looked familiar, but most Adam had never seen before. Must not have been from the music school. Why couldn\u2019t he have pulled this off sooner? What a turnout!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The intensity of the music rose as the batlike notes swirled around the hall. After Miguel reached the dramatic conclusion, the students jumped to their feet with applause. \u201cBravo, Beta Mu\u2019s,\u201d someone cheered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel took a deep bow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barry clambered onstage, a plastic cup clutched in his hands. \u201cI wanna thank you all for coming today. My brothers and I have been planning this for weeks\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Liar.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A police siren blared outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWho called the cops?\u201d A guy in a zombie outfit cried. \u201cLet\u2019s get outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The students poured out the door as quickly as they\u2019d come. Several policemen barged into the room as Barry scrambled off the front of the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel pointed to him. \u201cHere\u2019s your guy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bach Sonata No. 3 in C Major - Allegro Assai\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/v_IQcuRry7w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the cops rushed to Barry and pinned him to the ground. \u201cHe\u2019s the one who duct-taped the kid to the tombstone?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a swift motion, Miguel peeled off his mask. \u201cYep.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barry gasped. \u201cYou connivin\u2019 little\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNo time for that now.\u201d The policeman guided Barry to the exit. \u201cYou\u2019re coming with me. And we\u2019ll inform the college of your hazardous hazing. Don\u2019t plan to resume your frat for several weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barry scowled as the cop ushered him out the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adam flashed Miguel a smile. \u201cThanks, man. I owe you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Miguel clapped him on the back. \u201cWhat\u2019s a friend for? But I\u2019m sorry you won\u2019t have a fraternity to join anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIt\u2019s ok. I know who my true brothers are.\u201d&nbsp; He grinned. \u201cThanks for bringing me Bach from the grave.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-embed-handler wp-block-embed-embed-handler wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bach Sonata No. 3 in C Major - Largo\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SanHd5sSPlU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Adam Heckel twisted his hands in his lap and shifted himself on the lumpy couch in the music school&rsquo;s locker room. A freshman at Belton University, he&rsquo;d pledged the band fraternity, Beta Alpha Nu Delta. At least the hazing hadn&rsquo;t been too bad so far. Nothing compared to other fraternities. Sure, he&rsquo;d stayed up all &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/fiction-fridays\/bach-from-the-grave\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Bach from the Grave&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1630,"parent":5532,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5493","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"translation":{"provider":"WPGlobus","version":"3.0.2","language":"fr","enabled_languages":["en","es","fr","de","it","br"],"languages":{"en":{"title":true,"content":true,"excerpt":false},"es":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"fr":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"de":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"it":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false},"br":{"title":false,"content":false,"excerpt":false}}},"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5493","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5493"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5493\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5615,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5493\/revisions\/5615"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5532"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rescotcreative.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5493"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}