CLAIRE

Julian led me through the elegant entrance, his hand warm on the small of my back.

The lobby was beautiful, all marble floors and crystal chandeliers, with well-dressed people moving through the space in quiet conversation.

I looked around, trying to understand where we were. Then I saw the program board on the wall.

The Metropolitan Opera House

Tonight's Performance: La Traviata

My breath caught.

"The opera?" I said, turning to look at Julian. "Have you been before?" he asked, watching my face carefully.

"Once," I admitted. "A long time ago. My mother took me when I was ten, right before she got sick."

Julian's expression softened. "Do you...