Apollo’s Symphony

Apollo tuned the golden wings every morning. One note too sharp could disturb the stars, he believed, so he allowed no laughter during rehearsal and no wind through the feathers. The black horse obeyed until a small motorcyclist passed below, humming badly and completely off-key. One wing answered with an unexpected vibration.

Apollo froze. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard, precisely because he had not planned it. He removed his gloves, touched the trembling feathers and let the wind enter.

The symphony that followed contained missed beats, engine noise and one human laugh. The stars did not fall. For the first time, they seemed to be listening.