But his words fall away. He looks confused. He looks flustered and sorry. Like you do when you run up to someone you think you know and take her arm and she turns around and you were wrong.

I know it is a bad thing to break a promise, but I think now that it is a worse thing to let a promise break you.

A new word. Bright with possibilities. A flawless pearl to turn over and over in my hand, then put away for safekeeping.

I will rain down silver and gold for you. I will shatter the black night, break it open, and pour out a million stars. Turn away from the darkness, the madness, the pain. Open your eyes and know that I am here. That I remember and hope. Open your eyes and look at the light.

I think your vision gets better as you get older.

I play until my fingertips are raw. Until I rip a nail and bleed on the strings. Until my hands hurt so bad I forget my heart does.

Meet me where the sky touches the sea. Wait for me where the world begins.