Silence suddenly caught up, passed him, and stood before him, blocking his way. In that moment, the music fled from his hands. He heard nothing. All was hushed; time was febrile and bore the clarity of nothingness. The silence was dazzling, like stage lights shining in his eyes. Sweat beaded on his forehead. Like the victim of a purse snatcher in a crowd, he searched frantically for the music. He was left only with violent throbbing and a burning sensation.
