On the final evening, Nathan came.
He looked older. Worn. Alone.
He stood in front of The Door for a long time.
Then he turned, and saw me.
I was wearing black velvet. A glass of wine in hand. Calm. Whole.
“I never meant to hurt you,” he said.
“I believe you,” I replied. “But you let it happen.”
He stepped closer. “My parents controlled everything—”
I raised my hand. “No. You had a choice. And you closed the door.”
He looked like he wanted to cry. “Is there… anything I can do now?”
“Not for me,” I said. “Maybe Lily will want to know you someday. But that’s up to her.”
He swallowed hard. “Is she here?”
“She’s at her lesson. Chopin. She plays beautifully.”
He nodded. “Tell her I’m sorry.”
“Maybe,” I said softly. “One day.”
Then I turned and walked away.
