Madelyn's eyes lit up with anticipation. "May I know what the surprise is?" she asked the deliverer.

"You'll find out when the time comes, Ms. Jent. The extra ticket allows you to bring a friend along."

Holding the two tickets and an expensive bound art album signed by Edward Waltz, Madelyn was at a loss. She had no friends to invite. But then, she thought of someone suddenly, and she wondered if he would like to join her.

At nine in the evening, the evening breeze stirred outside. In a hospital room on the 15th floor, Ethan was in a video conference. The door to his room was slightly ajar, sounds from outside trickling in.

"Ms. Jent, please wait a moment. He's in a meeting. It won't be long."

"If he's busy, I won't bother him, then. George, could you please give him this ticket?"

George was taken aback by the ticket, a hint of surprise accompanying his smile. Madelyn did not realize her timing was not great. Just as she was fretting over how to offer Ethan the ticket, George cou