After lunch the next day, Elena was cleaning the main living room on the first floor. She had already cleaned everything else and had just finished polishing the old concert piano. She dropped her hands in weariness. Her hands came down on some of the keys, creating an unpleasant combination of notes. Elena flinched. Then, she got an idea. She glanced around to make sure no one would be able to hear.

She sat on the piano bench and lightly placed her hand on the keys. Her fingers found the right notes automatically and she started to sing.



If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh, uh oh

Lord make me a rainbow, I'll shine down on my mother
She'll know I'm safe with you when she stands under my colors, oh and
Life ain't always what you think it ought to be, no
Ain't even grey, but she buries her baby

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

And I'll be wearing white, when I come into your kingdom
I'm as green as the ring on my little, cold finger, I've
Never known the lovin' of a man
But it sure felt nice when he was holding my hand, there's a
Boy here in town who says he'll love me forever,
Who would have thought forever could be severed by
The sharp knife of a short life, well,
I've had, just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls
What I never did is done

A penny for my thoughts, oh no, I'll sell them for a dollar
They're worth so much more after I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the words I been singin'
Funny when you're dead how people start listenin'

If I die young, bury me in satin
Lay me down on a, bed of roses
Sink me in the river, at dawn
Send me away with the words of a love song

Uh oh (uh, oh)
The ballad of a dove (uh, oh)
Go with peace and love
Gather up your tears, keep 'em in your pocket
Save them for a time when you're really gonna need them, oh

The sharp knife of a short life, well
I've had, just enough time

So put on your best boys and I'll wear my pearls



Elena played the last few notes and jumped at the sound of applause. She turned around to see the Fowls standing in the doorway. Her face turned a deep scarlet.

“How long have you been listening?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

“Almost the whole time,” replied Mrs. Fowl. Elena looked at the floor in embarrassment. She gather up the cleaning supplies and quickly exited the room. She didn’t speak to anyone until she announced that dinner was ready.