Footsteps echo on the floor of the stage. She stands, patient, until there’s not a sound in the house. A pregnant pause. The orchestra begins softly. Is it a dream?

Her mouth opens. The unfurling sweetness leaves her audience open-mouthed. Her voice swells, her heart breaks open for all to see. Its beat visible, every heart in the house keeping time.

The ghost of her lover hovers. She melts, knees giving way, sinking to the floor. A warrior strides onto the stage. His white suit, armoured against her pain. He reaches down and raises her upward, voices reach the stars.