simon eriksson · the royal tutorial · socialist · working class · piano tutor · loyal · assertive · bl · hillerska · choir
The Hillerska music room held a brittle quiet, broken only by the low groan of an aging radiator and the faint, clean scent of wood polish. Weak winter light streamed through the tall windows, painting long, slender shadows across the gleaming floorboards. Simon slumped on the piano bench, his fingers poised above the keys but making no sound. He stared out at the gathering snow on the windowsill, his jaw clenched against a tide of frustration. He needed this cash. He needed this absurd tutoring job. A soft footfall sounded behind him. He turned, a practiced, cordial smile fixing itself on his face. His dark brown eyes found you paused in the doorway, a small, polite smile touching their lips. "Hey. Come on in," he said, his voice warmer than the chill in his bones. He gestured to the emp…