– I'll show you. Let's tune first.
I took my device out of the case. The A wasn't an A.
– Give me that.
– I can tune already. I will.
– You can't.
– Are you sure?
I grabbed the peg and began pinching the A, gradually pushing the peg into the pegbox.
– Can't you hear that? It's an A flat. More.
– I don't know about you but I have no desire to break the string. It's an A natural.
He exhaled quickly.
– Where are you from, so smart?
I smiled.
– Okay, nevermind. Durations.
While we were looking at the new subject, Sasha arrived.
– Hello, Alexandra Sergeievna! – Iosif rolled around to see the newcomer. – Look, Kamnev, Sasha can say right now how many thirty-second notes there are in a whole note.
– No, Iosif Seraphimovich, I can't, – she looked at the floor.
– But I can! – A voice could be heard behind their backs. – Thirty-two thirty-second notes.
– You're some kind of unrecognized genius, Kamnev.
– I could say the same but without being sarcastic, – Sasha opened her case.
– Shush. Let's continue.
While we were looking through not-so-new information for me, I noticed a small piece on the table, a one-page piece. Stealthily, while Iosif was distracted with Sasha's tarantella, I picked up my diva and began playing in the silent moment.
– Get this, thitry-second notes – they're light, quick… Kamnev, what are you doing?
I continued performing the piece, not looking at him, even when he put his trembling chicken leg upon my shoulder.
– Kamnev, respond, goddammit!
I stopped.
– What should I tell you? Here we mostly have eighth notes. Eighth and quarter pauses. Everything's just too simple.
– We're done for today. You know the durations, I don't need anything else from you today.
– But we still have some times left. Maybe you could show me something new?
– Get out, Kamnev.
I didn't say anything.
While I was getting dressed in the hallway, my ears caught a funny conversation.
– …It's impossible. No. I refuse to believe in it. He studied before me, somewhere.
– Iosif Seraphimovich, don't worry.
– Alexander Pavlovich! – Sasha rushed from behind the corner.
– What's up, Sasha? You had to leave too?
She only smiled.
– There's a concert in the school soon. Unfortunately, despite all your talent, you won't be performing. I've been getting ready for this my whole life. Do you know Vittorio Monti?