*Present Day*

Kate finished playing. It was over. The air was heavy with finality. This was it. She had done her best.

She grasped the handle of the viola and put it down on the chair. It had sounded better than any viola she had ever played before. She didn't know if it was magic or simply a well-made instrument. She carefully placed the bow beside it on the chair.

Turning around, Kate looked back at the man and was surprised to find his hood had fallen down to reveal ...