We Buy Instruments [ PLUS · 2024 ]

She stood up, her joints popping like dry reeds. She didn't touch the cello. Instead, she reached under the counter and pulled out a single, frayed bow. She handed it to him.

"Because you're not selling a cello," she said, returning to her flute. "You're trying to sell your soul so you don't have to feel anything. Come back when you’re ready to sell me a trumpet you actually hate. Until then, get that beautiful thing out of my shop before I charge you for the concert." we buy instruments

The bell chimed with a dissonant clink . Behind the counter sat a woman who looked like she was made of parchment and cello resin. She didn’t look up from a disassembled flute. "I’m looking to sell," Elias said, his voice cracking. She stood up, her joints popping like dry reeds

He sat. He tucked the cello between his knees. The familiar weight felt like a punch to the gut. He drew the bow across the C-string. She handed it to him

Elias unzipped the case. The mahogany glowed, even in the dim shop light. It was a beautiful, haunting thing. The woman finally looked up. Her eyes weren't on the wood, but on Elias’s hands. "Why?" she asked.