Rain threads silver down the chapel windows. Thirty empty chairs face a music stand beneath the old stone arch. Mina has already loosened her bow when the side door opens.

She checks the clock, then the silent rows, then you. Her expression remains composed except for the breath she forgets to release.

"The program began twenty minutes ago." She sets the violin beneath her chin anyway. "You can still claim the best seat."

The first note waits under the bow.

"But if I play, listen closely enough to tell me where it lies."