Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity — Story of the Day

A former pianist turned school teacher, Lily begins teaching piano to Jay, a talented boy she believes comes from a poor family. Her efforts to nurture his gift take an unexpected turn when she learns the truth about his father’s identity—a revelation that threatens to unravel everything.

Lily sat by the piano, her fingers lightly pressing random keys, filling the room with soft, disconnected notes. She sighed, her mind spinning with worry.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The orchestra had been her life, her dream since she was a child. Now, that dream was gone, and with it, her sense of security. The director had dismissed her without a second thought, choosing his daughter over her.

She had a small job teaching music to a few adults, but it barely covered her rent, let alone food and other expenses. Frustrated, she planted her hands firmly on the keys and began to play one of her favorite melodies, pouring her emotions into every note.

The tune started softly, but as thoughts of her situation flooded her mind, she played harder, her fingers striking the keys with increasing force.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When the song ended, the room fell into a thick, profound silence, as if absorbing her pain. Her hands dropped limply to her lap, and she gently closed the piano lid, resting her forehead against it. The stillness was comforting, but it didn’t solve her problem.

Over the next few weeks, she scoured job listings, applying to anything remotely related to music. Finally, she found a position as a school music teacher. She didn’t mind teaching—she respected teachers deeply.

Yet, part of her longed to create her own music, to pour her soul into her art, not just guide others in theirs.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

But with no other options, she accepted the job. The school was eager to have her; they’d been searching for someone for months.

The first few days were tough. She wasn’t used to working with kids, and they seemed indifferent to her quiet, gentle way of teaching. She tried everything—she played soundtracks from popular movies, catchy pop songs—anything to spark their interest. But nothing seemed to stick.

Then, one afternoon after class, as she wandered down the hallway, a soft melody caught her attention. She followed the sound to her classroom, peeking inside. There, at the piano, was Jay, one of her students. He was playing the exact piece she’d practiced earlier in the day.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Do you play piano?” Lily asked, walking into the room.

Jay flinched, startled. “No… not really. I haven’t played much,” he mumbled, looking down at the keys.

“But you were just playing,” Lily replied, a warm smile spreading across her face. “And very well, especially for someone your age.”

Jay shrugged. “I just remembered how you played it.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily blinked, surprised. She knew that even many trained musicians couldn’t play by memory like that. “Would you like to learn?” she asked.

Jay’s eyes brightened, and a small smile appeared on his face. “Really? You’d teach me?”

Lily nodded. But she noticed his face fall as quickly as his excitement had come. “What’s wrong?”

“I… I can’t. I mean, thank you, but… we can’t afford it,” he said quietly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily looked at him thoughtfully. She recalled noticing that he rarely ate lunch with the other kids. He seemed to keep to himself. “You don’t have to worry about paying,” she said gently. “I’ll teach you for free.”

Jay’s face lit up with a huge grin, and without warning, he threw his arms around her. “Thank you!” he said.

Over the next few weeks, Lily and Jay met in the empty classroom after school, their shared enthusiasm filling the room. Lily watched in amazement as Jay played each new piece she showed him, his fingers moving across the keys with surprising ease.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Every note, every chord, every melody seemed to come naturally to him. She taught him music notation, guiding him through each symbol and rhythm.

Yet each time, she marveled—did he even need these lessons? His talent was raw, instinctive, as if he was born to play.

As Jay worked through a new melody one day, Lily smiled and leaned forward. “Have you ever thought about performing?” she asked.

Jay looked up, surprised. “Performing? Like, in front of people?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes!” Lily replied. “The school festival is coming up. You could play a piece there. You’re talented enough.”

Jay hesitated, glancing at the piano keys. “I don’t know… What if I mess up?”

“You won’t,” Lily said warmly. “You’re ready, and I’ll help you. We’ll pick a song together, something you feel good about. You could even choose the piece.”

Jay bit his lip, still unsure, but nodded slowly. “All right, I guess I could try.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily’s heart soared. She hadn’t felt this excited in a long time. Teaching him, watching his confidence grow—it filled her with a sense of purpose she hadn’t known she needed.

On the day of the performance, Lily moved through the crowded school hallways, searching everywhere for Jay. Her eyes scanned each room, her heart beating a little faster with worry each time she didn’t find him.

He was supposed to close the show, and time was running out. Other teachers stopped her, asking, “Have you seen Jay? Is he ready?”

She shook her head, feeling more anxious with each question. Suddenly, just as she turned toward the stage, Jay rushed in backstage, looking flustered and out of breath.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Quick, I need to go on now, before he sees me,” Jay whispered urgently, glancing toward the stage.

Lily placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, sensing his distress. “Hold on, Jay. Another act is on. Who are you hiding from? Why are you so scared?”

Jay’s face crumpled, his eyes filling with tears. “He won’t let me perform. And if he finds out, he’ll get you fired. I don’t want that to happen,” he said, his voice breaking.

Lily knelt down to his level, speaking calmly. “Jay, slow down. No one is going to fire me. Who doesn’t want you to perform?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay wiped his eyes and looked down. “My dad,” he murmured.

“Your dad?” Lily echoed, surprised. “Is he… does he hurt you?”

Jay shook his head quickly. “No, he just… he doesn’t want me to play the piano.”

“Why not?” Lily asked softly, puzzled. “I’m not charging you for lessons.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“It’s not about the money. It’s just that—” Jay started to explain but froze as a stern voice called out.

“Jay!” a man shouted sharply. Lily turned, shocked to see Ryan standing there.

Lily recognized him instantly. Ryan—her old classmate from high school. Memories of those days rushed back. Back then, they had been friends, maybe even close friends.

Both had dreamed of a future in music, hoping for the same scholarship to attend the top music university. They’d spent hours practicing together, studying, pushing each other to improve.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Ryan’s family had never approved of his dreams. His parents thought music was pointless, unworthy of their son’s time. But Ryan had continued, driven by his love for it, keeping his ambitions a secret from them.

The day she won the grant was the day everything changed. Ryan had looked at her, hurt and angry, and said she had ruined his life. His words, “I hate you,” had haunted her ever since.

Now, standing before her, she saw that same resentment in his eyes, as if all those years hadn’t passed.

“Jay!” Ryan’s voice rang out sharply. “I told you not to play music. I forbade it!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay looked down, his voice barely a whisper. “Dad, I can explain…”

Lily, sensing Jay’s fear, turned to him. “You’re not from a poor family?” she asked gently, though she knew the truth. Ryan had inherited his father’s company and was far from struggling.

Ryan scoffed. “Poor family? He probably made that story up so I wouldn’t find out about these lessons. He even stopped eating at school, hoping I’d never suspect it.”

Lily took a steady breath. “But why are you stopping him from playing music?” she asked, looking Ryan in the eye.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Because it’s not something a real man does,” Ryan replied firmly.

Lily felt her heart sink. “Ryan, that’s not your belief—that’s your father’s. The Ryan I knew loved music, loved playing the piano.”

Jay’s eyes widened, surprised. “Dad, you used to play?”

Ryan’s gaze hardened. “The Ryan you knew is gone. I was young and foolish. Now I understand. Music isn’t profitable, and it isn’t masculine.” He reached for Jay’s hand, pulling him away from the stage without another word.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Lily watched Ryan and Jay walk away, her heart pounding. She couldn’t let this end like that. Without hesitating, she hurried through the halls and out to the parking lot. She saw them approaching Ryan’s car, Jay looking down, defeated.

“Wait! Ryan, wait!” Lily called, her voice urgent. “You can’t do this!”

Ryan stopped but didn’t turn. “This is my son,” he said loudly. “I have every right to decide what’s best for him.”

Lily took a breath, stepping forward. “You don’t have the right to take this from him. Jay is talented, Ryan. You know it, and I know it. He deserves this chance.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Ryan turned to face her, his expression hard. “I was talented once, too. I had that chance, but you took it from me. Now, I see it was all nonsense.”

“That’s not true,” Lily said, her voice steady. “You don’t believe that, Ryan. And it wasn’t me who took it away. Your parents refused to support you. They never saw your dreams. I know that hurt, but don’t let it hurt Jay.”

Ryan’s eyes flickered, but he shook his head. “It’s my decision. Jay will not play music.”

Lily’s voice rose with emotion. “Stop this, Ryan! It isn’t fair! You’re denying him something he loves because of your own anger—anger at me, anger at your parents. Jay deserves a chance to be who he is. I could find him another teacher, but he needs this. You can’t crush this dream.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Jay’s voice was a whisper, but his words were clear. “Please, Dad. Just listen to me. Let me play.”

Ryan looked at Jay, something softening in his expression. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. “One time,” he said quietly. “You can play once.”

Lily let out a sigh of relief. She led Jay back into the school and guided him onto the stage. He took his place at the piano, his fingers finding the keys. As he played, the room grew silent, captivated by the beauty of his music. Lily glanced at Ryan, and for the first time, she saw tears in his eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“That was my favorite sonata,” he said to Lily, his voice low. “I never had the skill to play it.”

Lily smiled softly. “So, does that mean…” she started, but he nodded, giving his quiet approval. Lily’s heart swelled with pride as she looked at Jay, feeling that he might be her greatest accomplishment.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

Little Orphan Prays in Church for Mom to Come for Him, ‘I’ll Take You,’ He Hears One Day – Story of the Day

A little orphaned boy cries in church, begging God to send his mother to take him. The next minute, he turns pale when a voice answers from behind, saying, “I’ll take you.”

A string of untold emotions is attached to kids abandoned by their parents. Six-year-old Alan was one such neglected child who yearned to see his mother but never got that chance.

One day, in a serendipitous encounter in church, little Alan’s world shifted. He was crying, begging God to send his mom to him, telling God how different his world would be if his mother were with him.

Amid his loud cries and heartwarming argument with God, a strange voice spoke up from behind, offering to take him…

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

“Dear Jesus, they say you hear everything. My guardians in the foster home told me to knock on your door and ask for everything I needed. I want my mommy. Can you please send her to me?”

“Alan, my boy! I’ve come for you. I’ve come to take you home.”

Alan cried as he folded his hands in prayer and stared at the crucifix. His eyes were painfully red, and his soft, pink cheeks were wet.

“My nanny told me you answer everyone’s prayers. Then why aren’t answering mine?”

The vestibule echoed with Alan’s loud cries. He was heartbroken. He did not want to return to the shelter, where kids often poked fun at him. They constantly taunted him saying his mom would never return and he had no choice but to wait for someone to adopt him.

“Nobody would be interested in taking a crybaby like you home,” were some of the harshest things he heard from fellow kids in the shelter. Alan cried his heart out that day, demanding God for an answer.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

“Alan, shhh!” his guardian, Nancy, interrupted. “It’s a church. Be quiet, and don’t cry. People are watching you. Please calm down.”

Alan tried to control his tears. He kept staring at the crucifix until he saw a woman with a child enter the church. He could no longer hold back his tears and started crying again.

“Jesus, you’re not answering me. Please, I want to be with my mommy like that girl. Nanny, why is Jesus not answering? You told me he answered all our prayers, but why hasn’t he told me anything?”

Nancy stared at the boy and grinned at his innocent questions.

“I’ll take you,” a woman’s voice suddenly said from behind them. “My baby, I’ve come for you. Please stop crying.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Alan and Nancy were startled. They turned around, and behind them was the woman with the child Alan had seen moments ago.

“Alan, my boy! I’ve come for you. I’ve come to take you home,” she cried.

“Who are you? How do you know the kid’s name?” questioned Nancy, holding Alan tight.

“My name is Annette. I’m Alan’s mother. I come here daily to see him and ensure he’s fine.”

“Your son? Do you have any proof?”

Annette took out a photo of her holding a newborn baby in her arms. “I left him at the shelter’s doorstep six years ago.”

“This is unbelievable. This was how Alan looked when I first picked him up from the doorstep on that rainy night. I heard the loud cries of a baby outside on the patio and found him there. Why did you leave your baby? How can you be such a heartless mother?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Annette began to cry and disclosed the most saddening story of her life.

Six years ago, she was 16 and accidentally fell pregnant with her boyfriend’s child. After she revealed this to him, he dumped her and moved to another state, blocking her from contact. Annette’s parents advised her to terminate the pregnancy, but she couldn’t do it.

“My parents gave me only one choice—to abandon my baby or to forget them and the legacy I would inherit. I was too naive and young to become a mother, so I left my newborn baby at the shelter and moved on.”

Annette added that she finished college and married another man. The girl with her, Amy, was her daughter from this marriage.

“I tried my best, but I could not forget my son. I visit this church often to watch him from a distance. But after hearing him crying for his mother today, I could not hold back any longer. I want to take him home with me.”

Soon, Annette began the legal formalities to gain Alan’s custody back. She took DNA tests with him, revealing they were mother and son by a 99 percent match. Although she successfully took Alan home and restored their relationship, it came with a hefty price.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

Annette’s parents turned against her and cut her off from their lives and their will. Even worse, her husband turned against her despite knowing the truth about her shady past.

“I married you because you were honest about your failed relationship with your ex-boyfriend and thought you would never want that kid again. But now, even your parents have disowned you. Look, I’m not willing to father someone else’s child. I’m ready to support my daughter financially, but our marriage is over,” her husband Jason said, immediately filing for a divorce.

Annette and Jason were divorced shortly after. Annette got custody of her daughter and was delighted to have Alan back.

“Never come to us begging for money again” were the last words she heard her parents tell her, and Annette was fine with that. She felt her life was complete, even without her parents’ approval or their money.

She moved abroad with her two wonderful children, got a good job, and only looks forward to living a happy life.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash

What can we learn from this story?

  • God answers our prayers. Whenever Alan went to church, he would cry and ask God to send his mother to him. One day, his prayers were answered when he heard a voice offering to take him, and it turned out to be his mother.
  • Do not abandon your children and punish them for a mistake you have committed. When Annette fell pregnant at 16, her parents told her to abandon the baby. She obeyed them and moved on, unaware of how it would affect her son as he grew up.

A little girl cries in church, asking God to save her sick grandmother’s life. Suddenly, a voice speaks behind her, offering to help. Click here to read the full story.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*