Paul paid his neighbour five pounds to complain about his wife’s piano practice.
She sold the piano and took up the tuba.
On Saturday, the neighbour came back. He pushed ten pounds into Paul’s hand.
Paul said they had already settled up. The neighbour said this was for another favour….
Nina began piano lessons in February. By April, Paul could recognise her practice tune from the first three notes.
He also knew exactly where she would start again.
He told her she was improving. Nina said she was glad he noticed. Then she played it once more so he could notice properly.
Paul did not want to upset her. He went next door and spoke to Keith.
Would you mind saying you can hear the piano through the wall?
I can hear the piano through the wall.
Yes, but would you mind telling Nina?
Keith asked why Paul couldn’t do that himself.
Because I bought her the lessons for her birthday.
Keith considered this and held out his hand.
Five pounds.
Paul paid. He suggested a gentle approach. Keith should mention early mornings, thin walls and needing to concentrate.
On what? Keith asked.
Anything. Choose something respectable.
Keith knocked that afternoon. Nina invited him in. Paul stood in the kitchen, pretending to look for a teaspoon.
Keith said the piano carried through the wall.
Oh dear, Nina said. I had no idea.
Paul made a sympathetic noise from the kitchen.
Keith said he didn’t want to spoil her enjoyment. It was just difficult to concentrate.
On what? Nina asked.
Keith looked towards the kitchen.
Important things.
Nina apologised. A week later, she sold the piano.
Paul helped the buyer carry the stool outside. He tried not to hurry.
That evening, Nina showed him a leaflet for the village band.
They need somebody on tuba. The band lends you the instrument.
Paul asked where rehearsals were.
The hall.
He said that sounded lovely.
Practice is at home, Nina added.
On Friday, a large case arrived. Nina opened it in the sitting room. Paul thought the empty case alone would have fitted most of the piano.
She practised her first note. Keith’s television became briefly irrelevant.
The next note was longer. A dog outside began a reply.
Paul shut the window. It made very little difference.
At ten on Saturday, Keith knocked. Paul opened the door and found a ten-pound note being pressed into his palm.
I paid you, Paul said. Remember?
This is for a favour.
What favour?
Keith waited until the next note ended.
Tell her you miss the piano.
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