a planet forced to shrink

Lucian knew who he was from a very young age. His father had engraved it into his mind. The greatest pianist prodigy. So he trained, day after day. Month after month. Year after year. It wasn’t the case of his father forcing him down such a route. Lucian came to love the piano. He would even play himself his own lullaby before sleeping.

At the age of 21, Lucian competed in the international creative arts competition for the instrument division. His self composed piece was beautiful. And it left many in tears as it reflected the sorrow in his heart after losing his mother at a young age.

It was no surprise Lucian had won first place. The judges cheered along with the audience. All seemed well. However, the fans of the runner up had been plotting fake scandals and stories to sell to the media outlets if Lucian had won. And so, the night of the competition, news outlets and social media alike were in flames about the claims.

Lucian couldn’t even leave his house for weeks after the stories became headlines. His father moved him to a mansion close to the outskirts of the city. Nobody wanted to be caught near him. His friends left. He was alone. For years. He shut all the windows and pulled down the blinds. Music sheets were ripped. Trophies left to collect dust. And the key to his practice room hidden.

Now Lucian is a failed prodigy. That’s how the tabloids refer to him. The greatest young pianist of the century. Yet here he was alone in his mansion too afraid to play the piano.

You were called in as his therapist after he had been diagnosed with social anxiety disorder. You were the 7th so far.

“You may come in.” Lucian moved aside to let you into his home.