Even the most straightforward of paths could turn out to be more complicated than it seemd at first.

All of us show many faces to the world. No one shows her true face all of the time. To do that would be dangerous, for what is seen can also be known.

My playing had called to another human being at last. Surely, she could be no other than my own true love. Slowly, I got to my feet. Speak to me, I thought. And as if she'd heard me, the young woman's lips parted and she spoke thus: Have you lost your mind?

How did you explain a thing it had not occurred to you to question? A thing you just knew, clear through to your soul?

Keep what you hold in your heart safe and strong.

Little princess, lovely as the dawn, well named Aurore.

I had to cease to mourn what could never be and make the most of what was possible. And I would begin doing that by trying to mend the hurts of the past.