I watched Lily’s small fingers hover over the keyboard, her brows furrowed in concentration. Our living room felt warm and cozy, with the soft glow from the lamp in the corner casting a gentle light on her anxious face.

My eyes drifted to the framed photo on the piano—just the two of us. She was barely five then, sitting on my lap, both of us grinning wide. It was a reminder of why I did everything I did.

“Take your time, sweetheart,” I said, keeping my voice calm and steady. “You’ve got this.”

She took a deep breath, her shoulders tense. “Okay, Daddy. I hope I don’t mess up.”

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees, trying to catch her eye. “Even if you do, it’s okay. Just do your best. I’m proud of you for practicing so much.”

She gave me a small smile, her confidence barely there, and then started playing. The song was simple, a few missed notes and pauses, but I could see how hard she was trying. When she finished, I clapped, grinning ear to ear.

“That was great!” I said, feeling that familiar swell of pride. “You’re getting better every day.”

“Really?” she asked, her voice small and uncertain.

“Absolutely,” I said, standing up and giving her a hug. “You’ve only had a few lessons, and you’re already playing like this! It’s not easy, I know, but you’re doing an amazing job.”

She glanced at the picture on the piano. “Do you think Grandma and Grandpa will like it?”

My smile tightened. I didn’t want to show her the doubt I felt. “I’m sure they will,” I said, hoping I was right.

The doorbell rang, pulling me from my thoughts. My heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Tom,” my mother said, stepping in for a quick, stiff hug. “It’s been too long.”

“Yeah, it has,” I replied, stepping aside to let them in. My father, Jack, gave me a curt nod, barely looking at me before brushing past and walking into the house. I shut the door, already feeling the familiar tightness in my chest. This was supposed to be a good night.

They walked into the living room, where Lily was standing, her hands clasped nervously in front of her.

“Hi, Grandma! Hi, Grandpa!” she said brightly, trying so hard to sound confident.

My mother’s smile softened just a little. “Hello, Lily dear. My, how you’ve grown.”

My father barely glanced at her. “House looks fine,” he muttered, his eyes scanning around as if he was inspecting the place.

I bit back my irritation. “Dinner’s almost ready,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

When we finished eating, I started clearing the table. Lily hesitated, looking between the kitchen and the living room.

“Can I play now? Is that okay?” she asked softly, looking at my parents.

“Of course, darling,” my mother said with a polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “We’d love to hear what you’ve been working on.”

“Go ahead, sweetheart,” I said, smiling. “You can start playing. I’ll listen from here.”

“Are you sure?” she asked, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.

I nodded. “I can hear you just fine. And I’ll be right out once I finish cleaning up.”

She gave me a small smile and turned toward the keyboard. My parents moved to the sofa, settling in, my father with a drink in hand, and my mother smoothing down her skirt, glancing around the room.

Lily took a deep breath, her hands hovering over the keys. I busied myself with the dishes, trying to focus on the sound of her playing. She started slow, the melody a little uneven at first. I could tell she was nervous. I dried a plate and set it aside, listening carefully.

She missed a few notes, paused, then started again. I could hear the determination in her playing, the way she tried to push through her mistakes. My heart swelled with pride. She was giving it her all, and that was what mattered.

I was about to start washing the pans when I heard a strange noise. At first, I thought something had gone wrong with the piano, but then I realized it was my mother. She was laughing, softly at first, a stifled chuckle. I froze, dishcloth in hand, straining to listen.

Then my father’s laugh joined hers, louder and harsher. It felt like a slap, echoing through the kitchen. My stomach twisted. I put down the dish and walked to the doorway, peeking into the living room.

“Was that your first time playing it?” my mother asked, and I could hear that familiar edge in her voice.

Lily’s eyes darted between them, her little hands still hovering over the keys. The look of confusion and hurt on her face was like a knife twisting in my gut. I saw her shrinking, folding into herself, as if trying to disappear. Her lip quivered, and she blinked rapidly, fighting back the tears. My heart broke in that instant.

“No, no, I-I’ve had two lessons,” she stammered, her voice shaking. “It’s just… hard to play with both hands.”

My father laughed louder, his voice booming. “A dog could have done better,” he said, wiping a tear from his eye. He looked at my mother, and they shared a look, like they were in on some sick joke.

I couldn’t move. I was frozen, caught between disbelief and a burning rage that was building in my chest. This was my parents. My parents, who were supposed to love and support their granddaughter, tearing her down, just like they did to me so many times before. The old, familiar anger rose up, choking me, but I swallowed it down, struggling to stay calm for Lily’s sake.

“Hey,” I managed to say, my voice tight. “She’s just starting. She’s doing great.”

My mother waved her hand, dismissing me. “Oh, Tom, don’t be so sensitive. We’re just having a bit of fun.”

Fun. That’s what they called it. I looked at Lily, who had gone silent, her eyes fixed on the floor. I knew that look. I’d worn it for years.

“Mom, Dad,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “I think it’s time for you to leave.”

They both stopped laughing, staring at me like I’d lost my mind.

My father stood up, his face red. “We raised you better than this. You’re being too soft. She’s never going to survive out there if you coddle her like this.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. All the anger, the pain from years of their constant criticism, the way they belittled everything I did, it all came rushing back. My voice was still steady, but I felt like I was on the edge of a cliff.

“This,” I said, my voice low but firm, “this is why I was so messed up as a kid. Because you couldn’t just be kind. You always had to tear me down. Well, I’m not letting you do that to her. Now get out.”

They stared at me, shocked. My mother opened her mouth to say something, but I shook my head. “No. Get your things and go.”

Without another word, they gathered their coats and bags, and with one last glare, they left. The door clicked shut behind them, and I stood there, shaking, trying to catch my breath. I turned around and saw Lily, her face streaked with tears.

“Daddy, I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to—”

I crossed the room in two steps and pulled her into my arms. “No, baby, no. You didn’t do anything wrong. You did amazing, okay? I’m so proud of you.”

She sniffed, clinging to me. “But they laughed at me.”

I felt my chest tighten again, but I kept my voice gentle. “They were wrong, sweetheart. They don’t know how to be nice sometimes. But that’s their problem, not yours.”

She hesitated, then nodded slowly. “Okay.”

I sat down beside her, my arm around her shoulders, and she started to play again. This time, her fingers were a little more confident, the melody smoother. I watched her, my heart swelling with pride.

“See?” I said softly when she finished. “You’re getting better every time.”

She gave me a small smile, and I felt a warmth spread through me. It wasn’t just about this moment. It was about everything I was trying to do, everything I was trying to be for her.

After Lily went to bed, I sat alone in the living room. The silence was heavy, my mind still replaying the evening’s events.

I took a deep breath and stood up, walking over to the piano with a picture above it. I touched the keys gently, thinking about how this instrument, once a source of joy, had been tainted by their cruelty. But not anymore. I wouldn’t let them take that from her. I wouldn’t let them take that from us.

The next morning, Lily and I sat at the piano again. She looked up at me, a question in her eyes. I smiled and nodded.

“Let’s try it again, okay?” I said. “You and me.”

She nodded, her fingers finding the keys, and she started to play. The melody filled the room, a little stronger, a little more sure. I watched her, my heart full, and as the music played, I knew we’d be okay.

We’d be just fine.