107 Rising Phoenix (2/2)

Free as a bird

But where are my wings

I cannot fly”

There was no outward emotion on her face. Iris looked calm, serene even. Her singing, however, conveyed heartache and longing. The audience's eyes watered, but they tried to be as quiet as possible. They didn't want to miss any note or lyrics.

”I sing a song inside my cage

While shadows destroy my tiny world

Break my bones a thousand times

Go ahead, I will not cry

These red roses smell so sweet

At last, I'm free

Will I ever fly?”

The full symphony orchestra finally played, the harmony so full yet light. The audience felt like their bodies were rising with the melody. Goosebumps were all over their skin. Iris' voice also rose, effortlessly reaching high notes.

”From the ashes, I rise like a phoenix

A little bird no more

I spread my wings, so big and wide

Now I am free

Now I can fly

Oh, I can fly up in the sky

While tears flow down my joyful eyes

Up I fly, up I soar

Until I brush against the clouds

I'll stay up here and touch the stars

I'll reach as high that I can”

Everyone nodded. Many of them had their hands clasped together like they were praying. They looked at Iris on the stage, as if they were seeing her as a tiny, delicate bird transform into a majestic phoenix.

Iris' voice became fuller and more powerful. The symphony orchestra reached crescendo.

”This rebirth of a tiny bird

Into a rising phoenix

Power courses through my veins

To break the chains

To spread my wings

So this is freedom

I am free”

The melody erupted into a beautiful medley of triumph, longing, and sadness. Now it was only the piano and Iris singing the last notes of the song.

”Oh yes, I am free~”