Tonight was opening night.

I looked for you in your usual seat.

Right at the back, near the door, so you could sneak away once you knew it was all in good hands.

Your glasses glinting in the lights, beneath your black fedora.

But you were not there.

The show went on.

We said our lines. And made our entrances.

They laughed. And applauded. Even without your prompting.

We felt the buzz.

We felt the joy.

And you were there.