(((squishes you))))I think this is the most beautiful thing I've read in weeks and weeks and weeks.  And as an avid reader, I cannot even begin to name or number the amount of authors I've read in that time.Stunning.  Simply stunning.

Ciao Cosette! I have read the title of this story and something has lit in my mind. You see, I am Italian, and the song you quoted is an almost famous one in Italy. The real words say "Lasciatemi cantare - con la chitarra in mano - lasciatemi cantare - una canzone piano piano..."
(Let me sing - with a guitar in my hand - let me sing - a song, very softly...).

You know? Your story has hit me in two different ways. One is the emotional reaction to what your father did and said...you are right, no kid should suffer those sufferings. I have two children, and I desperately try to protect them from every possible hurtful or scaring event. I can understand how your little souls were frightened and saddened, and the thought is somewhat unbearable. Literally drives me to tears.

The second emotion is connected to this song. I'm glad that it was able to focus your memories on something happy. I hope it will keep "protecting" your soul for many years to come.

Sorry for this long, personal review, and sorry for my poor English. I hope you can understand what I wanted to express. I wish you all the best.

this is a really lovely little vignette about the power of music, both positive and negative, on our psyches. and the staying power of the emotional reactions. i could identify with your fear of the unpredictability of your father's anger. but i LOVED the image of you all singing along to the foreign songs and being happy. i really enjoy singing along loudly to songs when i have absolutely no idea what the lyrics mean. i find it liberating, somehow. and very nice writing. thanks for sharing it.