Sincerity is the Key

Written by: Maya PetersonIllustrations by: Clip Art

Every day is usually an average day for Willy Johnson. He was a self claimed musician and lived an exciting life of traveling around the world playing music at parks and weddings.

He was a fairly short man, about 5’4, but he was always carrying instruments that made noise while he walked so people could spot him from a mile away.

He was also very sincere and honest, even to those he didn’t know. One day, he was outside of a 5 star hotel, sitting on the stairs, minding his own business when suddenly a girl exited the building and not just any girl but

famous singer, Bella Ware.

“Ugh! I can’t believe this!” she cried out. She sat down on the stairs, not paying any attention to Willy.

“Excuse me Miss,” he said to her, “are you alright?” She looked over at him glaring behind her sunglasses, “I just stormed out of a hotel shouting so no I’m not alright.”

Rather than sound offended, Willy gave a calm apology and went back to his sheet music. After a few moments of silence, she turned to him and spoke, “I’m sorry sir I didn’t mean to snap.”

SORRY

He turned to her with a smile on his face, “it’s alright, you seemed like you were upset is all.” She handed him some sheet music, “It’s this.”

He took the paper and scanned over it to see that there was a song written on it. “I spent hours working on that song and they think that it’s not heartfelt enough.”

“Well, they do have a point,” he stated. The girl was starting to get offended again.

“Don’t get me wrong, the music’s good,” he continued, “you just need to make it more…sincere.” He spent the next ten minutes going over the lyrics with her, correcting her mistakes and helping her on how to make them

sound more meaningful.

Afterwards they finally introduced themselves, “I’m Willy by the way.” “I’m Bella Ware,” she greeted back, “thanks for all your help Willy.” They shook hands before going their separate ways.

Willy is a traveling musician who surprises everyone he meets with his talent and sincerity. His interest is quirked when he comes across an up and coming, young pop star outside of a hotel who might need his help.

Maya Peterson is an author, actress, and screenwriter. She has a bachelor’s degree from University of Detroit Mercy and is working on her 5th book. She is a former resident of Detroit, Michigan and a current resident of NYC, New York.