II. a perfect concert, my best friend
He stands outside the opera house, looking one way, then the other, to see if anyone is present. He sees no one, and removes the makeshift mask from his head so he can better hear the music coming from within. A woman's voice soars, high and beautiful. He listens, and for once he feels free. Utterly enraptured by the sound, he remains as still as a statue, not hearing the gypsy man approaching. A hand falls heavily on his shoulder; he jumps in alarm and pulls the bag back over his head. The boy knows he will be punished for running off, but he almost fails to care. He has found something which no one can take from him.
