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Théâtre Bohème, 8 December 1870
As the orchestra warmed up for the opening night performance of Light Fantastique, Johann was grateful he was familiar with the music. He’d be relying on his hands and fingers to play the notes because his mind and heart would be on stage with Marie.
She’d avoided him since Tuesday when he’d asked her his awkward question, but when he’d snuck in to watch the rehearsals, he’d noticed what Radcliffe and the spirit had alluded to. She took on the look and demeanor of the character, and when she glanced out to where the audience would be, the force of her persona hit him, club-like, in the middle of his chest.
She was his ideal, and he wanted her completely.
On one hand, he was impressed with her ability, but on the other, terror strong enough to double
