AustLit

The narrator's friend, Duncan, dreamed of being a pianist before he had both his hands amputated in a carpenting accident. Six months afterwards, the narrator is invited by Duncan to his house, where he reveals he has been learning to play the piano with his feet. The inspired narrator is determined to have Duncan play in public. After getting over his stage fright, Duncan succeeds and becomes a celebrity figure in their town, Des.

More and more disabled people come to the town, seeing him as an inspiration. The narrator realises they are no longer central to Duncan's career. The town begins to forbid entry to able-bodied musicians, which the narrator opposes to no avail. After the narrator leaves Des, a music academy for the disabled is built, and Des becomes a cultural hub for the disabled.