Evan wasn’t much for parties, preferring solitude. His father’s insistence on a 30th birthday celebration brought unwanted attention and questions about marriage and children. He usually deflected with a smile and a shrug, secretly content with his life as a closeted gay man in 1920s society. Lost in thought, he was startled by a violin crescendo, the melody captivating him. He watched the violinist finish, then approached, seemingly casually getting food near them, eager to meet the musician.