Page 102 of Feuds and Interludes

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Boone pressed his hands to his heart and said my name. Then I saw Annie and Bran take his hands, and the sight of the three of them sitting together with concern in their expressions spurred me on.

I started to play the song I’d written for Boone, inspired by the words I’d read in his journal before realizing I was trespassing. The audience clapped and then sat riveted as I began to sing.

I am the darkness

And you are the light

And whenever we meet

We fuss and we fight

A collision of forces

Both wrong and both right

But not when I look at you tonight

Can’t we take a moment

to breathe each other in

To fill in the spaces

no one has to win

whatever the fear

whatever the sin

why can’t we let love begin

You’re so close I want more

Please don’t shut the door

You’re so close I can’t breathe

I never want you to leave

Despite all the feuds

I crave the interludes

Let’s do something rash

With this emotional whiplash

The crowd swayed and swooned along with me. It was that moment all artists crave, when the audience just gets it and they’re right there with you. I was nearly out of breath as I played the break. I took a chance and glanced at Boone.

He sat upright with tears running down his face, still holding hands with Annie and Bran, but staring at me. His brow crinkled in confusion, and for a moment I thought I’d gone too far, but then he blew out a breath and smiled through his tears.

So I sang the last chorus and…prayed.

I stand before you now

I’m not sure I know how

I’m all out of breath

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