The curtain on Queen Street rises and falls, and tonight's darkness is deeper than usual. The mist on the Rushing River not only dampens the brims of people's hats but also moistens the corners of their eyes.
Outside the Colin Grand Theater.
The dispersing crowd hasn't really dispersed, with many standing under the yellow glow of gas street lamps, bidding farewell to companions who watched the performance with them.
At the street corner, a young couple embraces tightly.
The girl's shoulders tremble slightly, her swollen eyes brimming with mist, shedding tears for "Eloise".
The boy pats her shoulder and softly comforts her, telling her that what happens on stage isn't real, and nothing like that would happen in Thunder City.
Suddenly, the girl lifts her head, the streetlights reflecting in her eyes.
"If one day... we face such a thing, please take me away from there."
Her voice is thick with nasal sound, suppressed sobs, and sincere emotion.
