The Right Time

“Nearer, My God, to Thee.”

This was the last song for this week’s Sunday church service. Wallace was sitting in the corner of the bench, admiring his Dad, who was the church choirmaster. His father was the inspiration behind his endless love for music.

“I want to play a violin, Dad,” said he on their way back home, on Sunday, 20 years from now.

“Good for you, my boy!” said his Dad. “I will see what we can do.”

But love for music wasn’t the only reason why Wallace was so eager to attend church every Sunday. Maria was. Maria was singing in the choir. Her tender voice was like honey to Wallace. He could become the most powerful superhero when Maria was around. He never knew that a stranger could become so close to one’s heart, until he met her. His first love. Wallace always knew that him and Maria are very alike, even though they talked only twice. Perhaps. He wanted to confess to her. But he wanted to do it in the most special way. He decided to wait. Wait for “the right time.” Later on, he understands that “the right time” was now, not then.

She was studying at the local art school. Wallace used to pass the art school “by accident” every day, right at the moment when Maria was heading home. He had the perfect plan in his head.

“I will go there, cut her way and say:” Hey! Can I walk you home?”

But right at the instant, when words formed in his head and it was the time to let them out, he looked away and passed by her. Why? Because his feelings were so much more. He never knew that a heart could beat this fast just from the sight of the loved one. She was the meaning of his life. Every single thing he did, the first thought that came to his mind, was: “Would Maria be proud of me, if she could see me now?”

He was breathing her, he was living her, he was loving her. But “the right time” never came for them.

One Sunday night Wallace was invited to his friend’s birthday party. He was asked to play violin. His “first public appearance” after graduating from music school. He wore the best suit he owned, combed his hair back and left for the party. He was early for an hour. Wallace never knew that he could be this nervous in his life. He was sweating so much he thought that he would drop the violin without even playing a note. But his first public appearance wasn’t the only reason behind his nervousness. Maria was. He knew that some girls from art school were invited to the party. Maria was one of them.

Finally, the time came for him to play. The lights were out in the room. The only light that shone bright for him was her. Despite the tremendous nervousness and tremble, one look at her eyes, and he began to play. Play the story of his love. He was lost in her.

An unimaginable force gave him the courage to say the words:” Go out with me, Maria!”

She was silent, taken aback by the spur of the moment. The only thing she managed to do was nod. Nod of agreement. She lost herself in the moment, her cheeks red, her heart beating fast. And the presence of other people wasn’t the only reason behind her blushing. Wallace was.

Two long years passed of them enjoying each other and exploring the world with one another. Sometimes you get tired of people, same faces, same voices, same talks. They were each other’s safe place.

“You’re the most interesting person I’ve ever met,” he told her.

It was Wallace’s birthday. The only thing he wanted was spending the whole day with Maria, watching the sun set in the ocean, thinking about life and all the things they wanted to achieve.

“You know, I always wanted to play violin in the ocean. Ocean holds so much secrets, yet it’s so calm and endless.”

“Like your music,” said Maria. “I know you will get the chance to play in the ocean. And you will reign it, Wallace.”

She gifted him the violin she made herself. It had a writing on it: For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement, from Maria.

They got engaged a month ago, in their own world, without anyone knowing. World, where there’s always sunset, but darkness never comes after it.

Wallace’s dream came true. He had to replace the choirmaster of the Titanic. He was supposed to sail for two months, after which he would become the happiest man alive. Him and Maria decided to get married after he returned. They were always waiting for “the right time.” “The right time” that never came for them.

How amazing were sunsets in the ocean. Endless rays of gold, melting into the waves of calm, that could take away your life any second. Yet it was so peaceful. Just like his music. Jack, the young third-class artist, tapped on Wallace’s shoulder and cut him off of his thoughts.

“Hey, mate! Me and Rose decided to get married on board today, secretly. I’ve got a huge favor to ask.” Jack’s eyes were burning with so much love, passion and impatience.

“Sure Jack, anything,” Wallace answered.

“I would be eternally grateful and indebted if you could play at our wedding.”

Wallace didn’t answer for a second. He admired Jack for his courage. Something that he had to wait for years to acquire in him. Jack was an inspiration to him, someone who taught him to live, to risk and to act now, because “the right time” may never come.

“It would be an honor,” Wallace replied with a smile that held endless admiration and sincere support.

“Thanks, man! It means a lot,” said Jack.

Wallace never saw him this excited before. He couldn’t wait to get back to Maria, where their right time will eventually come.

That night was the consequent party on the boat. Wallace and his band were shining on stage, as usual. Wallace was excited a little extra that night, as he was supposed to play for Jack and Rose. But their wedding wasn’t the only reason behind his excitement. Maria was. They were boarding in two days and he would finally get close to the meaning of his life again. Sweet thoughts of her got interrupted with sudden shaking of the boat, people screaming and running around. Everything was swirling in chaos. Except for Wallace. He learned to accept his fate as it is. He knew that maybe his “right time” will never come. And he was ready for it.

“Boys! Calm DOWN!” Wallace was shocked himself from the sound of his own voice.

“We have to continue playing. We will never die. All my life, I was a coward, lacking courage to accept my feelings. I always wanted to wait. Wait for my time to come. But it never did. I realize that time is now. Me, you on a sinking boat. Our time is now. We play music that gives life. It embraces your darkest feelings and helps you find hope. So let’s give that hope to people. Cause our time is now. We are the heroes of Titanic.”

And they played. Until the very last piece of the enormous ship got lost in the depths of the ocean. Ocean that was so calmly absorbing the lives of the brightest minds. Yet it was so peaceful. Like Wallace’s music. But ocean wasn’t the only reason behind Wallace’s courage. Maria was. Her existence breathed life. And so Wallace will never die.

“Nearer, My God, to Thee.” The last song Wallace played. And so he went.

P.S. Wallace’s body was found alongside his violin that read.” For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria.” Wallace was smiling. But violin wasn’t the only reason behind his smile. Maria was.