Hanister was woken up by a sudden din.

She opened her eyes, only to see that there was a puddle of drool left on the table. She hurriedly reached for a napkin to wipe it off, at the same time noticing that the seat across from her was empty.

Ding ding ding—

A crisp clunking noise captured the girl's attention. She turned and saw Steve with a glass and a spoon near the stage. On the stage, there was another person.

"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening." Steve said in a clear voice. "We're glad to have you here with us through another night in Yosus's Grave, but tonight is a little different from the past ones," he stated. "Tonight, let us enjoy a show that Gadina, who's also my old friend, brings."

What?

Hanister's heart jumped. She quickly turned her seat to face the stage.

Later, a couple of notes came from the guitar. The entire bistro fell silent. Steven turned down the lighting for the occasion, then flip open the spot light right in the front. The light lit up the girl on stage and in her hands was a wooden guitar.

Soon, the simple notes grew into complicated chords. The music throve and rose in sync with the performer's motion. Then, Gadina sang along with the intro.

Oh, darling. Be quiet. I know this wasn't a peaceful year.

The fear in my heart had made me a coward.

Trust me, darling. Trust me.

I know this was a cold and loveless year.

I carried three sins that were all named fear —— selfishness, apathy and hypocrisy.

Trust me, darling. Trust me.

Gadina paused, filling the interlude with mellifluous chords of the guitar.

Hanister couldn't take her eyes off her. Never had she imagined that Gadina had this sort of talent hidden. Gadina's soft and magnetic voice was like a mother caressing her kids' hands. It was filled with warmth and emotion, which was completely hard to relate to her appearance.

Gadina continued singing.

Look. Look above our heads. Tell me what you see.

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The starry sky's still perfect, yet everything's at the edge of collapsing.

If only we could just escape and keep on pretending.

But I must wipe away the illusion so that you can clear your imagination.

I'm a terrible liar and now you know.

I'm a terrible liar and now you're free.

Hanister listened attentively. She couldn't help but stood up and inched closer to the stage along the melody. She did not bother to take anything. Like a child lured by sweets, step by step she moved forward. Gadina's performance amazed her, at the same time it was heartbreaking.

Is everything I dreamed of completely meaningless?

The singing continues, accompanied by moving chords.

Is happiness just some people's rights?

Oh, I asked and asked——

Oh, I asked and asked.

You said the question isn’t appropriate.

You said the question isn't appropriate.

Oh, I asked and asked——

Oh, I asked and asked.

Even if I must hand over my soul.

Even if I must hand over my soul.

Hanister held on to a column, completely mesmerized. Suddenly, she had wished that the usual Gadina was as gentle and sensational. This was the first time she had hoped.

Until the music was over, Hanister did not move a muscle. Applauds erupted from the audience, coming like a wave.

Gadina placed down her guitar just when her eyes interlocked with Hanister's. The girl's face was still rosy. She took a bow in courtesy, ready to step off the stage.

"Encore!" A stranger called out from under the stage.

"Your voice's amazing!" Another customer followed.

Gadina stood in place, a little embarrassed. "Sorry, ladies and gentlemen," he said. "I think I'll just—"

"One more!" Another voice cut her off once again. "Please, Gadina.” Hanister's sincere voice came through the crowd and to the stage. "Just a few more?" She pleaded.

Gadina wanted to glare at her, but she didn't do it. She stared at her for a moment then decided to return to the center of the stage. The girl then picked up the guitar once again.

Steve was standing behind the bar. He watched the interaction between Gadina and Hanister, showing keen interest in the pair.

Thereupon, the enchanting singing rose again. Like a rekindled spark of flame, lighting up the peaceful night.