In this poignant tale, young Tom observes his sister's transition into womanhood, bewildered by the sudden shift in familial dynamics. As she becomes the focus of attention, Tom grapples with feelings of neglect and confusion. Meanwhile, the story delicately explores themes of adolescence, sibling relationships, and the awakening of complex emotions.

A Shifting Family Dynamic

At twelve years old, Tom is perplexed by the abrupt change in how his family treats his sister. Previously, the center of his grandmother's affection, he now watches as all attention shifts to his sister, who is said to be "not feeling well." This vague explanation fails to convey that she is undergoing the significant transformation from a girl to a young woman. Tom, frustrated by the lack of clarity and his sister's newfound status, lashes out, only to have his ear twisted by his gentle grandmother, a clear sign of the changing family dynamics.

The Symbolism of Change

Tom's sister's journey into adolescence is marked by a trip downtown with their mother, an outing from which Tom is excluded. Upon their return, Tom is shocked to see his sister's once long, vibrant curls have been cut, a poignant symbol of her transition. "The long copperish curls which had swung below her shoulders, bobbing almost constantly with excitement, were removed one day," he reflects, signaling a shift in their relationship that he cannot entirely grasp.

The Burden of Talent

Tom's sister takes piano lessons from Miss Aehle, a spinster who encourages all her students, irrespective of their talent. Yet, Tom's sister genuinely deserves the praise, being a remarkably talented young pianist. As a concert looms in the parish hall of Tom’s grandfather’s church, she and Richard Miles are to perform a duet, with her on the piano and Richard on the violin. The two young musicians practice tirelessly, but Tom’s sister struggles, as her once reliable musical skills falter, her fingers not obeying her as they used to.

Complex Emotions and Rivalries

Richard Miles, with his striking looks and sensitivity, captivates Tom’s sister, yet Tom himself feels a confusing attraction towards Richard. He is unsettled by these unfamiliar feelings, pondering, "How on earth did I explain to myself, at that time, the fascination of his [Richard’s] physical being without, at the same time, confessing to myself that I was a little monster of sensuality?" Struggling with his identity, Tom feels a strange rivalry with his sister for Richard's attention, a concept unimaginable in the societal context of the story’s setting.

Performance and Breakdown

The long-awaited concert finally arrives, and Tom's sister, overwhelmed with anxiety, nearly falls apart. Her hands feel stiff, her room is filled with steam, and she irritably snaps at their grandmother, a stark departure from her usual demeanor. Despite her nerves, she reaches the parish hall, but during the performance with Richard, her mind blanks. She repeatedly restarts the piece, unable to push past the opening pages. Richard, understanding and tactful, plays loudly to mask her errors, drawing applause for his adept handling of the fraught performance.

The Aftermath and a Somber Reflection

Silence envelops the family on the ride home from the concert. Not long after, they relocate from the South, marking the end of a chapter in their lives. News reaches them that Richard, always perceived as almost ethereal, has succumbed to pneumonia. The narrator reflects on the haunting resemblance of Richard’s violin case to "a little black coffin made for a child or a doll," a somber symbol of youth and potential unfulfilled.