The Last Song Before Sunrise

The rain had fallen without pause for three days as if the sky itself was grieving something it could not name. From her small apartment window Lyra Bennett watched the city blur into a watercolor of neon lights and trembling reflections. She wrapped her hands around a warm mug breathing in the soft scent of chamomile tea. It was late nearly past midnight but sleep refused to touch her eyes. Ever since the breakup two months ago her nights seemed longer quieter and impossibly hollow.

Lyra was a songwriter though most people only knew her as a voice coach at the downtown arts center. She once dreamed of performing on bright stages but life had a way of turning dreams into whispers. Still she wrote melodies in secret each one carrying a piece of her heart. Tonight however she could not write. The music inside her felt stuck like a word caught between breaths.

Her phone vibrated. A message from the center reminded her of the annual showcase happening that weekend. Students auditioned to perform and mentors guided them. This year she had not planned on participating. But the center director convinced her saying they needed her because a new student had requested the most experienced mentor available.

Lyra sighed softly. She never knew what pushed people to choose her. She rarely saw herself as someone worth choosing. But she would go. She always did.

The next morning she arrived early wearing a simple cream sweater and a loose ponytail. The air smelled faintly of rain and dust from the old wooden floors. She checked the audition roster until one name caught her eye. Cassian Rho.

She muttered the name under her breath. It held a strange rhythm. She wondered if he was another teenager dreaming of stardom or perhaps a hobbyist trying something new.

When she entered the rehearsal room she stopped abruptly.

Cassian Rho stood by the grand piano adjusting the strap of his guitar. He was not a teenager. He looked around thirty tall with dark hair falling in gentle waves. He had an expression both calm and unbearably sad like someone carrying a story he never wanted to tell. When he turned at the sound of her footsteps she felt something shift inside her.

You are Lyra Bennett he asked. His voice was low smooth and surprisingly gentle.

She nodded. And you must be Cassian. I hear you requested me specifically. May I ask why

He hesitated then looked her straight in the eyes. Because you write songs that feel honest. Even if you do not perform them publicly. I think you understand music the way I do.

Lyra froze. Her heart stilled. No one should have known she wrote. She guarded her compositions as carefully as secrets.

How did you know that she asked quietly.

He smiled a little embarrassed. I found an old composition of yours in the center archive. No name on it but the handwriting matched the notes on the bulletin board. I listened to it and it helped me through something difficult.

Lyra felt heat rise to her cheeks. She had written that piece during one of her darkest nights. She did not know it was still there.

She cleared her throat. Well then let us begin.

Cassian nodded. He positioned himself with the guitar then after a long deep breath began to sing.

The first note silenced the entire room.

His voice was like warm smoke drifting over cold air. Deep but wounded. Strong yet trembling at the edges. Every lyric felt carved from something raw. Lyra watched him struck by the depth of emotion dripping from each word. He sang a story of losing someone precious. Of searching the city for pieces of a memory. Of longing for one more sunrise with the person he loved.

By the time he finished Lyra felt a weight in her chest she had not expected. She swallowed slowly trying to regain her voice. That was beautiful she said softly. Painful but beautiful. You have something rare Cassian.

He lowered his eyes. I do not know about rare. I just know it hurts less when I sing.

She recognized that truth. It was the same for her.

They practiced for hours adjusting lyrics refining melodies discussing phrasing. Cassian was thoughtful responsive and deeply intuitive. Lyra found herself enjoying the session far more than she intended. When he smiled soft and shy her stomach warmed unexpectedly.

As the evening light faded Cassian packed his guitar. Thank you for today Lyra. Really. I was nervous coming here but you made everything easier.

She looked at him surprised at how sincere he sounded. I did not do much except listen.

That is what made it easier he replied.

Their eyes met and held longer than necessary. Lyra felt her heartbeat stutter then quietly stepped back to create space between them. She could not let herself fall into something she did not understand. She had only just begun to heal.

The next day he returned earlier than scheduled wearing a dark coat still damp from the rain. Lyra noticed his hands were trembling slightly.

Are you alright she asked.

He hesitated then nodded. Just a rough morning. I will be fine.

But she knew the look in his eyes. She had worn it many times herself. A quiet heaviness that did not go away simply because someone asked.

They began practice. Yet Lyra could feel something tense beneath his voice. The notes were beautiful but hollow like echoes rather than emotions. She stopped him gently.

Cassian you do not have to pretend with me. You can talk if you want.

He stared at her silently. Rain tapped the window softly. After a moment he exhaled a shaky breath.

The truth is he began my fiancé passed away last year. Suddenly. I thought I had learned to live with it but some days still feel impossible. This morning was one of them.

Lyra inhaled sharply her chest tightening with empathy. Cassian continued.

She was the one who convinced me to share my music. She believed I could touch people with my voice. When she died I stopped singing. Until I heard your composition. It reminded me that grief can still create something beautiful.

Lyra blinked back unexpected tears. She had written that song while mourning her own heartbreak. Maybe that was why it reached him.

I am sorry she whispered. Truly.

He smiled faintly. You do not need to be sorry. You helped me more than you know.

Their connection deepened after that. They practiced daily building a comfort that blurred the lines between professional and personal. They shared stories of their pasts their fears their dreams. Lyra found herself laughing again with the warmth she had not felt in years. And Cassian began smiling more often though still carrying quiet shadows behind them.

One night after a long rehearsal they stepped outside. The rain had finally stopped and the city glowed under lamplight. Cassian walked beside her hands in his pockets.

Lyra he said quietly can I ask something Do you ever feel like you are afraid to want happiness again After everything that happened

Lyra hesitated then nodded. Yes. Every day.

He paused watching her carefully. But you still show up. You still help people find their voice. That is strong.

She looked away. It does not feel strong. It feels like surviving.

Surviving is strength he replied softly.

They stood at the crosswalk as a gentle wind brushed past them. Lyra realized she was not afraid of him. She was afraid of losing him before anything could begin. But she said nothing and they walked their separate ways.

By the end of the week they had finished the main song for the showcase. It was a duet gently woven with themes of healing and rediscovery. Cassian suggested they sing together onstage. Lyra immediately shook her head.

No. Absolutely not. I do not perform.

Cassian stepped closer faint hope in his voice. But you should. This song is as much yours as it is mine.

I cannot she insisted. I freeze on stage.

He looked at her with that quiet sincerity she could never resist. Then let me be your anchor. Sing with me. You said my voice reached you. Let yours reach someone too.

Her heart pounded. She wanted to say no. But the truth was a small part of her wanted to say yes. To be brave again. To reclaim pieces of the dream she abandoned.

After a long silence she whispered I will try.

Cassian smiled softly and something warm bloomed in her chest.

The night of the showcase arrived quickly. The auditorium buzzed with anticipation. Lyra stood backstage trembling lightly. Cassian placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Just breathe he murmured. I am right here.

The stage lights brightened. They stepped out together. A hush fell over the room.

The first notes of the guitar filled the air. Cassian began singing his verse voice steady grounded. Then Lyra joined in. Her voice started soft almost timid but as the melody carried her she felt something unlock. Her sound warmed strengthened and shimmered with vulnerability. Cassian harmonized beautifully their voices entwining like two threads filling the room with emotion.

The audience watched in silence some wiping tears. Lyra felt weight lifting from her chest with each word she released. Cassian watched her with a gaze filled with pride awe and something deeper.

When the final note faded the room erupted into applause. Lyra felt breathless. Cassian reached for her hand squeezing gently. You did it he whispered. You were incredible.

She looked up at him eyes shining. I could not have done it without you.

After the performance they slipped outside into the cool night. The city shimmered with reflections of streetlights. Lyra felt lighter than she had in years.

Cassian turned toward her voice soft. I have something to confess. This week with you has changed me. I did not think I would ever open my heart again. But you made me want to try.

Lyra felt her breath catch. Cassian continued.

I know we both carry wounds. I know healing takes time. But if there is even a small chance for something real between us I want to explore it. Only if you want to.

Lyra hesitated. Fear pulsed through her chest but so did something warm and hopeful. She took a slow breath.

I am scared Cassian. Truly scared. But I want to try too. Maybe we can heal together.

Cassian exhaled in relief. He stepped closer gently touching her cheek. Then let us take it one moment at a time. No rushing. No expectations. Just honesty.

Lyra nodded her heart trembling. As they stood beneath the soft glow of the streetlamp Cassian leaned in slowly allowing her every chance to pull away. She did not. Their lips met softly quietly like a new beginning whispered into the night sky.

The kiss held no desperation only understanding. A promise that healing could be shared. A hope that love could bloom again even in the scars.

When they parted Cassian rested his forehead against hers. Thank you Lyra. For giving us a chance.

She smiled through sudden tears. Thank you for helping me find my voice again.

Together they walked into the quiet city lights two souls carrying losses but choosing growth. The world around them smelled of rainwashed hope.

And in the gentle hush before sunrise Lyra realized she had found not just music. She had found someone who listened even when she could not speak. Someone who believed she deserved to be heard. Someone she could learn to love without fear.

A new melody bloomed in her heart warm fragile and beautifully real.

It was the beginning of something neither of them expected but both of them desperately needed.

The last song before sunrise had become the first song of their healing.