## The Final Bow

Daniel stepped beneath the stage lights.

His voice shook during his first line, and his eyes repeatedly moved toward the front row.

Robert smiled and raised one thumb.

Beside him, Emma watched through the phone.

When Daniel reached his solo, the auditorium became completely still. His voice was small at first, but it grew stronger with every line.

Emma pressed her fingertips to the tablet screen.

Robert could see tears running down her face.

“He practiced that part every night,” she whispered.

“He wanted you to be proud.”

“I am.”

At the end of the song, Daniel looked toward the audience.

Robert quietly lifted the phone higher.

Emma gathered what little strength she had and whispered:

“That’s my boy.”

Daniel could not hear her, but he smiled as if somehow he had.

The audience rose in applause.

Daniel took his final bow.

Robert turned the phone toward himself. Emma’s eyes were closing.

“You saw everything,” he said.

“Yes.”

“I’m coming back now.”

“No, Dad.”

Her voice was barely audible.

“Give him the flowers. Let tonight belong to him.”

The video froze.

Then the call ended.

Robert remained seated while the audience moved around him. Onstage, Daniel searched for him through the crowd.

Robert wiped his face, picked up the bouquet and forced himself to stand.

His phone rang again.

This time, it was the nurse.

“Mr. Bennett,” she said gently, “your daughter waited until she heard the applause.”