Journal entry, September 11, 2002
It cost me a small fortune, but I finally got the information I wanted. The ticket cost another pretty penny, but I knew it would be worth it. Now if I can just find the Howard Theatre. I am not familiar with the city, so it takes me a while. When I finally get there and park, it is already a little after 8:00. Canβt be helped. I pick up my ticket at the box office and go inside. The show is already underway, and the house lights have been turned down low, as I expected.
I allow my eyes to adjust, then follow the usher to the correct row. As I work my way to my seat, I see you and the man who must be your husband in the middle seats, your attention focused on the stage. I am in luck. The ticket I have purchased, after bribing the manager, is next to you and not your husband. As I approach my seat, you glance up and you recognize me. A quizzical expression flashes across your face followed by a brief flash of a smile. You then turn your attention back toward the stage.
I settle into my seat and watch the performance for a minute, taking stock of my surroundings as I do so. Yes, I think, this will work just fine. I look over at you, and I see your face highlighted by the partial illumination provided by the stage lights. The various colors play across your immobile visage, creating a lively lightshow that highlights your features in turn. Unsure how you will react to what I am about to do, I decide to proceed slowly, giving you the opportunity to stop me whenever you choose to do so.