Chance, Attention, and Recognition

Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman

Three apparently accidental encounters suggest that chance may become meaningful when people are ready to recognize and respond to it.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Disappointing Performance A Disappointing Performance from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". The Listener’s Wish A favorite pianist falls short In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mr.

A Disappointing Performance from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". The Listener’s Wish A favorite pianist falls short In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mr.

The Listener’s Wish A favorite pianist falls short In Cambridge, Massachusetts, Mr. Murakami hears Tommy Flanagan give a performance that lacks its expected magic. Two songs imagined He silently wishes for “Star-Crossed Lovers” and “Barbados,” knowing that such requests are impossible. The private wish prepares the surprise that follows.

The Unrequested Songs The Unrequested Songs from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". A Coincidence Becomes Visible The pianist chooses them Tommy Flanagan plays the two songs Mr. Murakami had just imagined.

The Unrequested Songs from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". A Coincidence Becomes Visible The pianist chooses them Tommy Flanagan plays the two songs Mr. Murakami had just imagined.

A Coincidence Becomes Visible The pianist chooses them Tommy Flanagan plays the two songs Mr. Murakami had just imagined. Their performances are unexpectedly excellent. Astonishment without doctrine Mr. Murakami is struck by the coincidence but refuses to turn it into proof of an occult system. It remains a small, memorable disturbance.

Ten to Four Ten to Four from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". A Second Jazz Sign A rare record found Mr. Murakami buys a mint first pressing of a Pepper Adams album at an unexpectedly low price.

Ten to Four from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". A Second Jazz Sign A rare record found Mr. Murakami buys a mint first pressing of a Pepper Adams album at an unexpectedly low price.

A Second Jazz Sign A rare record found Mr. Murakami buys a mint first pressing of a Pepper Adams album at an unexpectedly low price. The time matches the title At the exit, a young man asks the time; it is ten to four. The coincidence makes him imagine a god of jazz winking at him.

The Tuner’s Story The Tuner’s Story from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". Another Life Changes Course A friend responds A piano tuner tells Mr. Murakami about a chance meeting that led him somewhere unexpected.

The Tuner’s Story from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". Another Life Changes Course A friend responds A piano tuner tells Mr. Murakami about a chance meeting that led him somewhere unexpected.

Another Life Changes Course A friend responds A piano tuner tells Mr. Murakami about a chance meeting that led him somewhere unexpected. His own story begins with a woman reading the same Dickens novel. A connection forms The coincidence creates enough ease for conversation and friendship. Its importance grows through what the two people choose to do next.

A Call at the Right Time A Call at the Right Time from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". Reconnection After Delay The woman does not appear The piano tuner stays away from the gym and thinks of the woman’s possible cancer diagnosis.

A Call at the Right Time from "Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman". Reconnection After Delay The woman does not appear The piano tuner stays away from the gym and thinks of the woman’s possible cancer diagnosis.

Reconnection After Delay The woman does not appear The piano tuner stays away from the gym and thinks of the woman’s possible cancer diagnosis. Her absence prompts an old memory of his sister. A relationship reopened He calls his sister after years apart and learns she is facing surgery. He hopes coincidence has made a needed reunion visible.

During a night at Regattabar Jazz Club

At the close of Tommy Flanagan’s set

An afternoon at a used-record store near Berklee

After Mr. Murakami tells his friend about the coincidences

The Tuesday after the woman misses the cafe