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

Suddenly, listening to Lei convey the full scope of the tragedy all on his own, everything I’d glimpsed of his nature made sense.


When the video was over, I immediately clicked on another one. This time it was an aria from Puccini’s La Bohème, called “Che gelida manina.” I couldn’t stop. I spent the next hour, leaning back in my seat with my eyes closed, listening to Lei, to Wilhelm, singing his goddamn heart out. At the end of that hour, my head was filled with new names—Verdi, Berlioz, Bizet, Massenet—and I had a clear idea of Lei’s vast range, style, and talent.


This man, this phenomenal performer, was tuning guitars in the back of his parents’ store?Why? Had he had an accident? Lost his voice?


I shut my screen off and silence filled my apartment again. I was exhilarated, but tired, too. Thathad been worth betraying my principles, for sure. I felt as though I’d spent the evening with Lei after all.


Chapter 20