(1) Liam had always been a quiet, introspective boy, spending most of his time alone with his thoughts. Ever since he could remember, music had been his solace, his sanctuary. He had an extraordinary talent for playing the piano, a gift that his parents had discovered when he was just four years old. But his talent came with a peculiar twist: he could not read sheet music. The notes on the page would blur and dance before his eyes, transforming into meaningless scribbles. Liam had learned to play by ear, memorizing every piece he heard with remarkable precision. This secret, known only to his family, became more burdensome as he grew older. He feared the judgement of others and the potential ridicule of his peers.

(2) In high school, Liam joined the music club, where he kept his secret well-guarded. He avoided activities that involved reading sheet music, opting instead for improvisation and composition. His classmates admired his skill and creativity, often asking him to perform at school events. During one such event, the annual talent show, Liam was asked to accompany a violinist on the piano. The violinist, Emma, handed him the sheet music for a complex duet. Liam's heart pounded as he took the pages, the familiar fear washing over him.

(3) The night of the talent show arrived, and Liam stood backstage, his mind racing. He had spent countless hours listening to recordings of the duet, committing every note to memory. As he waited for their turn, he saw Emma approaching, her face alight with excitement. "Ready?" she asked. Liam nodded, swallowing his anxiety. They walked onto the stage, the bright lights blinding him momentarily. The audience's applause filled his ears as he sat at the piano, his fingers hovering over the keys.

(4) The performance began, and for a moment, everything went smoothly. Liam played flawlessly, his fingers dancing over the keys with practised ease. But then, disaster struck. Emma missed a cue, causing a momentary pause in the music. Panic surged through Liam as he struggled to adapt. He glanced at the sheet music, but the notes swam before his eyes, refusing to stay in place. He closed his eyes, focusing on the melody he had memorized, and continued playing. The brief falter went unnoticed by the audience, but Liam's confidence was shattered.

(5) After the performance, Emma congratulated him, oblivious to his inner turmoil. "You were amazing!" she exclaimed. Liam forced a smile, hiding his dismay. He retreated to the empty music room, seeking solace in the silence. As he sat at the piano, his hands trembled. He began to play, pouring all his frustration and fear into the music. The familiar melodies soothed him, but the weight of his secret felt heavier than ever.

(6) Days later, Liam was called to the principal's office. Nervous, he walked in to find the principal and Emma waiting for him. "Liam, your performance at the talent show was outstanding," the principal began. "We'd like to recommend you for a prestigious music scholarship." Shocked, Liam stared at them, his heart pounding. The scholarship could change his life, but it required an audition where he would have to sight-read a piece of music. His secret was at risk of being exposed. "Thank you," he managed to say, his mind reeling.

(7) That evening, Liam confided in his parents, revealing the scholarship offer and his fears. "You can't keep hiding this," his mother said gently. "You need to face it." With their support, Liam decided to take the risk. He spent weeks preparing, practising sight-reading with the help of a tutor. On the day of the audition, he walked into the room with a mixture of fear and determination. As he sat at the piano, he glanced at the sheet music, the notes still blurring and shifting. But this time, he took a deep breath, trusted his memory, and played. When he finished, the judges applauded, and Liam felt a weight lift from his shoulders. He had faced his fear, and regardless of the outcome, he knew he had taken an important step forward.

Why did Liam spend most of his time alone? (Paragraph 1)