CHRISTOPHER

They were rushing through the heavy traffic of Chicago on their way to the theater. Christopher, his dearest friend was with him and they were going to have time to practice together. The cab pulled up in front of the theatre and they got out. Care was taken to make sure Christopher was not injured or banged in any way.

As they strolled toward the theater, a marquee caught their eye. “Mario di Guardino, world classic guitarist, featured in concert. Works by Scarlatti, Bach and De Falla.” He clutched Christopher even tighter, “That’s us, old friend.”

Christopher had been his best friend for years. Mario came from an Italian family. His father was a famous violinist and played all over Italy. He was an only child and his parents loved him very much. At five years old his father naturally wanted him to play the violin but little Mario wanted nothing to do with the violin. He wanted to play the guitar! So his parents bought him a cheap guitar to see if he would really want to perfect his playing. It didn’t make a good sound but it did get him through his lessons. At ten he was playing in the concert hall and at fifteen he was becoming world famous.

That is when he bought a very expensive made by one of Italy’s renowned guitar makers. What a beautiful sound this instrument made and how beautiful it looked. It almost played by itself because it was so easy to handle. His parents bought him a handsome case for the guitar that he named “Christopher” because it was a gift from God and his talent to play it. The case was inlaid on top with jewels and once the lid was lifted there was a sort of vest with a zipper that not only held the guitar in place but kept it warm. Only the finest for Christopher! Christopher and Mario played many concerts together. Even the newspapers mentioned the brilliant and magnificent tones of the instrument.

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As they entered the theater to practice, he thought about the audience that would arrive that evening. Many people would be present. Mario felt a bit nervous. He always did before each concert but with Christopher he knew he would come through it well. They entered the darkened theater and made their way down the aisle to the stage. A stagehand turned on the overhead light. Actually, Mario didn’t need to see to read the music he had it all memorized! There they were in the middle of the huge stage. Mario felt satisfied with the practice.

That evening the concert went well. Mario was so applauded that he played not just one encore but four! By now he was exhausted and after greeting visitors back stage, went to his dressing room to change clothes. He put Christopher in the case and put on something casual. One of his male friends was due to arrive any minute. Mario picked up Christopher to put him by the door when a catastrophe happened. The lid of the guitar case was not closed all the way and it opened. The zipper on the vest was not closed all the way either and that allowed Christopher to fall directly on the bridge of the instrument.

Mario looked in horror as he saw what was left of poor Christopher! The face of the guitar was smashed in and the pieces were lying within the rest of it. The bridge was broken which allowed the strings to collapse. His best friend was dead! The instrument that was over a hundred years old was destroyed. Mario collapsed with tears. He sobbed and sobbed as he held dear Christopher in his arms. He was grief stricken. Suddenly the door opened and his friend, Andre, appeared in the doorway. He took one look and understood what had happened. He knelt down and tenderly put his arm around his friend Mario and the two of them wept.

Mario was determined to have his Christopher repaired. He took him to some of the finest guitar makers but none of them could guarantee they could fix Christopher. After all he was over one hundred years old and made by a famous guitar maker. It had to have the right wood and the glue was made by a secret formula… and would the face of the guitar hold up against the strength of the taut strings? Mario was despondent. Sadly he said goodbye to Christopher and gave the pieces to the owner of the music store.

The owner reluctantly took what was left of Christopher but couldn’t guarantee that anyone would want it. Perhaps someone would want the parts or strings. So after months of no sale Christopher was put in a corner to gather dust.