The Greatest Showman #860 - Carnival

This is a one-man concert, a performance that belongs to Heather Cross alone, but also to Don Quixote. It's a tribute to every dreamer who stumbles, falters, but never gives up; to every soul who, under the weight of life's pressures, almost gives up but chooses to chase their dream and embrace freedom; and to every Don Quixote who finds their unique color in a world that seems dull and ordinary.

This lonely and desolate concert is a stage for the dreamers, and the true opponent is shame. The crowd is praying for a miracle—the miracle of Heather Cross recovering, of chasing the dream, of Don Quixote raising his spear to defeat the windmill giants. It's a shared promise between dreamers.

Ellie Cross stood firm, trying to be strong, to be calm, to be optimistic, but no matter how hard she tried, the tears kept coming, bursting uncontrollably. She heard it all—Renly's call, Heather's persistence, Don Quixote's cry. They were all praying for a miracle—a miracle of life and dreams. Only now did Ellie understand the purpose of this concert and why Heather had awakened.

For the first time, Ellie was desperate for Heather to stand on stage, for Heather to fulfill her dream, for her to keep fighting as bravely as Don Quixote, choosing to fight in her limited lifetime. Heather could keep her promise—this was their shared dream.

The soft touch on her left hand pulled Ellie back to the present. She looked up to meet Heather's bright eyes. Ellie quickly wiped away her tears and flashed a big smile, but then saw Heather mouth, "Relax!"

Ellie froze for a moment, then laughed. She turned to Derek and caught the teasing grin on his face. Ellie rolled her eyes, raised her hands in a mock carnival gesture, and pretended to shake her head wildly. The silent pantomime had Derek and Heather laughing too.

The next moment, Renly's voice echoed from the stage, "Since it's a concert, let's get back to business. Next song!"

As if on cue, everyone's eyes were drawn to the stage, and for the first time in the past week, Ellie felt a moment of peace. It was brief, but she could finally relax, just for a moment, and savor the happiness around her.

"I need to thank Ed Sheeran before I begin," Renly said, lightheartedly mocking himself. "Everything's been so rushed, and we didn't have enough time to arrange everything. Even the band isn't fully equipped. Thanks to Ed for letting us borrow his band."

The crowd chuckled, and William and the others let out loud whistles.

Renly smiled and said, "Next song, I need some help from everyone. Join me!"

Renly raised his hands high, and the audience followed, snapping in time. He continued, "Don't worry, it's not as hard as you think—it's just a simple rhythm."

The audience, still riding the high from "Simple Life," was eager. Was it that song again, or something new?

Timsey raised his hands, beating in time with Renly, his rhythm controlled but distinct. Ellie glanced around; everyone around her was participating. She raised her hands, too, and turned to Derek and Heather with an encouraging smile, matching their steady rhythm. The collective beat surged through her, lifting her spirits.

The crowd, now 20,000 strong, raised their arms in unison, creating a powerful wave of motion. The applause became a thundering rhythm, steady and strong, echoing through Madison Square Garden.

Renly, standing at the center of it all, lowered his hands and strummed his guitar lightly. The first elegant notes rang out, followed by the powerful chords of the piano. The music blended with the crowd's rhythm, forming a magnificent scene in the air.

"Ah, ah, when I was young..." Renly's voice echoed through the stadium, smooth and rhythmic. It was clear from the start; this was the beginning of something special.

"Ophelia."

In that instant, the crowd felt transported to another time—the night of the Emmys, when Renly and Eddard had first met, and "Ophelia" was born. For William, Timsey, and the others, it was a moment of deep significance.

Renly sang the song again, and they were part of it once more.

William couldn't contain his excitement, and Timsey's joyful scream was almost overwhelming.

"Ophelia," like "Cleopatra," was not just a pop song—it was born from the words of Shakespeare, a testament to Renly's artistic greatness. The joy of performing this song at the concert was overwhelming.

As the crowd continued to clap in time, the rhythm swelled, and the mood intensified.

Ellie's heart soared as she exchanged a look with Derek, witnessing the energy around them, especially in Heather's eyes. She felt herself lifted by the music, fully immersed in the moment. This was more than just a concert—it was the heartbeat of their shared dreams.

As the song reached its crescendo, Renly's voice softened, and the music faded into the background. For a brief moment, everything was still, the anticipation in the air thick and palpable.

Then, the piano erupted again, filling the space with a deep, powerful sound. The entire arena roared with energy, as the audience and performers became one.