Easily pleased, Micah enjoys a career in non-profit work and gets through his days one lame joke at a time. Then his friend Lou introduces him to her musical family and the Knights pull Micah into their world of resilience and sorrow. Soon, Micah understands that in the face of grief, optimism isn't always enough.<br><br>Lei was once revered for his tremendous talent. But one day the music died, and the scars under his leather bracelets are a reminder of what he lost. These days, he's nothing but a phantom. Shut away from the world, Lei tunes instruments in the Knights' music store.<br><br>Then charismatic Micah enters his life, charming his family and slowly coaxing his way into Lei's heart with steadfast devotion. With Micah at his side, it may yet be possible for Lei to reclaim the spotlight he'd thought permanently abandoned.

Music of the Knight

Lei had disappeared a few minutes ago, and I was thinking maybe it was time for me to leave


In the last hour, I’d observed and listened closely, trying to understand the situation with Lei. But I couldn’t figure it out. All I knew was that he’d taken a long leave of absence and was slowly returning to work at the store. Had he been ill? He was very quiet, rarely saying a word, and when he did speak, he seemed a little under the effect of something. Was he struggling with addiction?


He and I hadn’t talked much, but whenever I’d say something funny, or more like somethingidiotic, a trace of a smile would appear on his otherwise serious face. He obviously enjoyed my sense of humor. And once in a while, I’d look up to find him staring at me with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He seemed interested in me, but too reserved to strike up a conversation.


Chapter 12