HEARTSTRINGS

e hardly noticed the sweeping shadows that the early sun made over the polished floor as it passed th

aving to manage a project that not only wasn't what he wanted to ever be caught doing but seemed to go against everything he had ever stood for. The use of mus

ghts. It was Maggie, his secretary. As she walked in, he t

Ridge is here to see you," in her u

curt nod and sai

lously ordered life, he prepared himself. He had an image of a young person who was probably

as surprised. She wasn't what he was expecting. There was an aura of confidence about her, albeit i

hat held a quiet intensity. She was simply dressed, in a tailored blazer and jeans, and even though sh

with a polite smile, extendi

g her hand briefly. Her grip wa

ephanie continued, her tone display

o working together wit

nd his desk. He could already feel the tension in the room, a s

perience with music therapy," Willi

this isn't something I would have

stand where you're coming from. Many people see music therapy as something 'soft' or unscientific, but I ass

uly believed in what she was saying. "You'll have to forgive my scepticism, Ms. Ridge, but I'm used to dealing with facts, da

why I'm here-to demonstrate that music therapy can provide these results. It's not about replacing traditio

couldn't ignore, a quiet strength that reminded him, oddly, of himself. But this was his hospital

he well-being of my patients and the efficient operation of this hospital. If you can prove that your methods are beneficial or effe

alm and serious at the same time. "I wouldn't expect anything less, Dr. Benson. All I ask is that you give this a chanc

"Very well then. We'll proceed as planned. You'll have access to the p

he office, into a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, Dr. Benson.

ning beneath his stoic exterior. He couldn't shake the feeling that this project was more than just an inconvenient di

k, another challenge to be met and managed. But deep down, a small voice whispered t