Alexander strolled down the streets of Toronto, a glazed look in his eyes. The streets were silent to him, his eardrums gone long ago. He had killed a violinist, and the ensuing riot had ended in disaster. This talented conductor and composer was unable to hear. But that was long gone, he had found the musical virus. Even now it played enchantingly in his head, giving him instructions. He hummed to himself, but couldn't hear it. A cold wind was blowing, newspapers and plastic bags tumbling through the streets. Instead of clearing the stale city air the wind intensified the odors, burning trash and old sweat. The people passing stared at him, noticing his strange somewhat vacant eyes. Alexander did not care, he had the music and that was all that mattered. His hands twitched a little as he detected the vibration of the wind. He so wanted to control it, watch it swirl to the rhythm of the viral music. Not quite yet though. Realizing that he either needed to get out of the wind or make a scene, Alexander ducked into the nearest coffee shop. He saw the little bell jingle, and wished he could hear the tinkling notes. Removing his top hat, Alexander sat down by the window. The moon was out, a single ray of light illuminating the silent scene.
Cars whizzed past in pantomime and people yelled into a silent void. Alexander could still feel the wind. He distracted himself by going to buy a scone. The barista was trying to tell him something, but Alexander could not hear what. He spoke himself, the flat intonation of one who cannot hear his words. "I do not understand." The barista stared at him like he was crazy, and pointed to the bill. Fishing his wallet out of one pocket, Alexander payed. The wind was mocking him with its melody. Why wait any longer? Alexander drew a conductors stick from his pocket, and started to swing his hands in the familiar arc. One and two, and three and four. The wind grew in intensity, the door swung open, the bell jingled in silent lament. Alexander had only started. Lightning joined the symphony, and Alexander's gestures grew elaborate. Two and three and four, and one and two..." The lightning flashed, the roof of the café was destroyed. Wind swirled and danced, lightning struck.
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