Ruth in the concert (WIN-03-EN)

Ruth was a survivor of the Holocaust, having experienced the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. She had lost loved ones, witnessed unimaginable atrocities, and carried the scars both inside and out.

Despite the lingering trauma, Ruth had built a life for herself after the war. She found solace in music, for it was the language that spoke to her wounded soul. She attended concerts whenever she could, immersing herself in the melodies that resonated with her heart. The power of music healed her in ways that words could not.

On this particular evening, Ruth settled into her seat, her heart brimming with anticipation. The symphony began, enveloping the concert hall in a sea of enchanting notes. As the music swelled, a crescendo of sound emerged, and amidst the orchestral beauty, there it was—a sound that sent shockwaves through Ruth's being.

It was the clanging of metal against metal—a sharp, discordant noise that pierced her heart like a dagger. It mirrored the haunting resonance of the gates that had confined her, the sound of imprisonment and terror that echoed through the concentration camps. The memories rushed back, threatening to consume her as she sat frozen in her seat.

Her body tensed, her breaths became shallow, and a cold sweat coated her brow. The concert hall, once a haven of respite, transformed into a chamber of anguish. Her hands trembled, clutching the armrests as her mind spiraled into the depths of her darkest days.

Sitting beside Ruth, a woman with kind eyes and a gentle presence sensed her distress. Recognizing the signs of a traumatic trigger, she leaned closer, her voice filled with compassion. "Dear lady, I'm here with you. Breathe with me. Inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. Let's ground ourselves in the present, in this moment of music."

Ruth's trembling fingers reached for the woman's hand, finding solace in the connection they shared. Together, they took measured breaths, the rhythm of their inhalations and exhalations anchoring Ruth's racing heart.

With each intentional breath, the woman continued, her voice a lifeline. "Focus on the beauty surrounding you—the musicians, the conductor, the notes they bring to life. Let the melody carry you away from the shadows of the past."

As Ruth fought to regain control, she found strength in the woman's words. Slowly, she redirected her attention, fixating on the instruments, the skillful musicians pouring their hearts into their craft. The clanging sound, once a trigger, began to fade into the background, muted by the orchestra's harmonious symphony.

Tears welled in Ruth's eyes, mingling with her gratitude. The woman sitting beside her had offered the understanding and support she desperately needed. She had provided a lifeline amidst the darkness, reminding Ruth that she was not alone in her journey of healing.

Wolfgang Eisenreich, WIN