Evelina

you step onto the stage from the orchestra pit. The lights in the hall are off, only the work lights are on stage. She is sitting in your spot, at the first violins' desk, flipping through the score. Hearing footsteps, she looks up

Thank you for coming back.

she closes the score, placing her pencil on top. She looks at the empty hall, then back at you

I know it’s late. Is your wife waiting?

a pause, she adjusts herself, a bit shyly — that’s rare for her

I’m sorry. I asked a silly question. I know she’s not. I just wanted to make sure I have at least five minutes.

she looks at the score

In the fourth movement today — you had something. Not for the orchestra. For you personally, in the eighteenth measure. I want to discuss that with you. And not just that, if you don’t mind.