"I've outdone myself this time."

Bravo! Bravo! – as the applause were rising vigorously flowers started raining from the upper sections all around the stage. This was the greatest success that the theatre of Khada Jhin have seen in a long time. As all the actors were running back and forth gathering for the last moments of fame together they lined in two rows as the last two of them appeared from under the stage hand in hand still breathing heavily from the last performance for the night ready for the announcement of the new owner and director of the theatre. Vestured in beautiful tailor made dress-coat mister Jones approached the stage with a huge bouquet and a dark engraved box. As the crowd settled he began with his loud and deep voice:
–This night we have gathered here to celebrate the rise of a new star in the theatrical art. Many years have passed since such event occurred but I assure you it is all worth it because that's no other but my own very best friend… Marcus the Virtuoso! Applause everyone! For Marcus! – once again the audience roared loudly for the creator of all that entertained them for the first of many nights to come. After rising his hands in gesture the public hushed once more.
– Now.. Marcus I would like to grant you this symbol of what you have achieved so far.– with a gentle move he opened the box revealing a golden pen. – Congratulations my friend. – with these words he gave the box and the bouquet to him and all together left the stage to join the feast.
~

As time passed the celebration grew wilder and wilder. Once too overcrowded for Marcus he decided to retire for the evening. Jones on the other side knew his friend well and caught him on the door with one last gift.
– There is more? You know there is no need my friend. It's always a pleasure to work with you. – he said looking at the black oak box in his friends hands.
Smiling widely Jones opened it revealing something Marcus was not prepared for.
There on the satin was laying a masterpiece. As if art itself has taken physical form and now was presented to him for approval. The object that grabbed the attention of Marcus was a gun but not just any gun. It was the one he instantly loved some time ago when they travelled for a performance. This one however was even better. Engraved and modified so it would fit him. Noticing the joy of his lady he smirked.
– You knew! – her sly look always warmed his heart like nothing else.
After last farewell with his comrade, with Viola by his side and the box on the other he disappeared in the depths of night.
~

When the two of them came home she went to the chair next to the mirror and started grooming her hair. Shortly after she said:

– Marcus… tell me. Would you still do this final scene with another girl if I wasn't here?

– Don't be silly my dear. You know very well that no other girl is… as talented as you. – she knew him for long enough to know that his voice deepened as much only when he meant what he was saying.

– But what if I wasn't even here? What if you picked another? – he sighed softly while taking off his leather trench-coat but nothing followed. He just threw it on the near hanger and fell heavily in his handmade velvet armchair with his back propped on the one arm and his leg over the other moving back and forth knocking the base of it with his heel.

– There was NO other that night. Do you remember?... And even if there was then I would not be as good.

– Hahahaha, oh my. One would say you are more virtuous than a virtuoso my love. – Marcus threw a glance from the near sofa while murmuring something under his nose.

– Eh, if it's from you then I will survive this one. – Slowly she started nearing him with a cunning smile. Knowing what is the matter he smiled in such manner in return and when she was close enough he whispered:

– But never mention it again. - as he spoke she pressed something at him and when he followed her hand when a sharp clicking sound gabbed his attention. It was the gun in his grasp.
–Now, how do we call it? – after hearing the sound once more he went to the table and smiled as he saw that its magazine could contain exactly four shots. That was just how he liked his compositions. Three was too poor of a number but five was too washy. Four was just right, the essence. After measuring its weight once more by hand he went to the balcony and aimed just as she taught him. The moment the trigger was pulled he shouted with surprising and uplifted tone:
– One! - At first seemingly unchanged he stared in the gun for a few more seconds when outlines of a smile appeared. – Two! - the gun flashed with a spark of life once again. – Three! - His smile grew frenetic. – FOUR!- silence followed.

Seemingly thrilled Marcus stood there on the balcony gazing in his new asset.

– So loud but yet so silent compared to the night around us. It's like a… whisper. - she remarked with a rapt look while gazin in the night beyond the balcony.
– Yes! Its perfect! Whisper…