Manny's speech, instead of reassuring the man-in-charge, worsened the situation. Not only did it make him more anxious, but he also became indignant. Knowing there was nothing he could do at this point, and that even anger was useless, the man-in-charge just gritted his teeth in frustration. He understood that as much as he disliked the way Manny put it in words, he was only telling the truth.
Suddenly, the door swung open then slammed shut. Spark walked in with Mark in his arms, and Molly right behind them. Manny's eyes lit up in relief at the sight of them. Honestly, he had doubts about Spark's showing up tonight. He also didn't expect Molly to be with him, but she seemed oblivious to the purpose of the concert.
"Spark!" the man-in-charge exclaimed. He was now extremely delighted and couldn't hide it. "It is so good to see you," he said enthusiastically, as he approached to greet the musician.
Instead of smiling back, Spark looked at him with contempt. There was a rebellious look in his eyes, while the rest of his face was impassive. "I'm glad that I am not your nightmare," he said rudely.
His reply shocked the man, although he quickly covered it by smiling subserviently and answering, "How is that possible? You're joking, of course. I love your music very much. I think they're all wonderful and excellent as they convey a lot of hope."
"Ah… so you mean to say that I am superior to your idol goddess?" His voice was steady but there was a hint of mockery in the tone. He glanced at the man who suddenly looked embarrassed. With a careless shrug and one brow lifted, he walked past the man-in-charge with Mark still in his arms.
Stunned by Spark's behavior, Molly glanced at the man with an embarrassed smile. She felt sorry for him and didn't think he deserved Spark's harsh treatment. Smiling politely, Molly said in fluent English, "We're very sorry for the trouble we've caused you. Please know that we appreciate your help with this concert."
Rather than be grateful for her words, he looked at Molly with scorn. He considered her no more than an insignificant assistant, so there was no need to show her any respect. He said nothing and just threw her a vicious, vindictive look before leaving the backstage.
With a shrug of her shoulders, Molly's lips curled slightly and took no offense at the man's irreverence. She proceeded to place Spark's violin on the table.
Mark tottered towards her, held out a little hand then lightly grabbed the hem of her dress. He then lifted his other hand and drew something in the air.
Nodding in understanding, Molly said, "I'll take you there." She stretched her arms and stooped down to pick him up, but Mark refused. Instead, he clutched her hand with his chubby fingers and wobbled alongside his mother to go outside.
A sense of sadness enveloped Molly as they stepped out of the room. Mark pulled his hand from hers to walk alone. Eyes moist, she watched his unsteady gait. Biting her lips to prevent tears from falling, she followed the boy out.
Spark and Manny watched Molly and the boy go out. Manny sighed in pity and said, "Little Molly would be thrilled when Mark finally speaks. I can't imagine the look on her face when the boy calls her Mommy."
"That day will come," Spark said firmly. He opened the case and took his violin out. "Mark means so much to Molly because he literally gave her a second life after all her sufferings. So when he does talk, she will be the one most thrilled," Spark said. A deep sigh escaped Manny's lips.
The truth was they weren't optimistic about Mark's condition. The doctor did say there was nothing wrong with his vocal cords, but three years had passed, and he still showed no sign of talking. As far as they all remember, Mark only cried out once when he was born in the hospital. After that, they never heard him make any sound again.
"Manny," Spark turned to his agent and spoke in a low voice, "I'll be going out on stage soon. I hope you'll stay backstage with Mol and Mark. I don't want Sophie to see Molly, you know."
He fidgeted at Spark's request, and his eyes turned apprehensive. "I doubt they'll be willing to stay in the back when you're playing out there," Manny muttered.
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