His fingers caressed my strings and neck as a lover of long ago. His touch was firm, knowing, sure of just where the notes would be perfect, the strum heartwrenching. He and I had been together for many years, singing together. I did feel so alive under his touch, until now.

Now he lay dying, his hand outstretched, holding me close...trying to sing the Song of the Next Realm. We'd been caught out with no one there to sing it for him, no one to help me sing the joyful song which would release my beloved master. Oh, how I longed to vibrate to his knowing caress, to quiver with deep sonorous strums, light brush of a lover's touch with melody....

In a last effort he raised his head from the pillow, called out my name, Sonora, and fell back...