Summer Moonlight Concert

Book excerpt: Xiaomi will never forget the magical sounds she heard one hot summer evening when the power went out in her family’s apartment building. It happened at day’s end while her parents were preparing dinner. Her father lit candles while suggesting they take out their musical instruments and descend to the yard to perform for their neighbors. He played the erhu and her mother the accordion while she danced. The songs made their way into each home, and soon, everyone joined the concert, laughing and singing under the moonlight: a joyful, music celebration that brought them together.