“You’re amazing,” Dorothea says, reaching to intertwine her fingers with yours. “Your voice, I mean. It’s beautiful—No, you’re beautiful.”

You’ve been singing a duet with her for the last month. Performing has always given her a rush, but with you it’s different. It’s special. She’s singing from somewhere more than just her heart. You’re supposed to be transferring to another opera house next week, but she doesn’t want you to leave.