Inside the tavern, the air was filled with the sounds of a fiddler preparing to play. The musician was grappling with tuning the instrument, producing a mix of uncertain notes, including an awkward attempt at the well-known song "Aura Lee." Despite the clumsy execution and occasional shrieks that disrupted the melody, the song's inherent beauty remained intact. It served as a reminder of its familiarity and comfort, even in less than perfect conditions.

As Inman listened, he reflected on the youthful quality of the tune, which seemed to embody innocence and hope. The simplicity of the music stood in stark contrast to the complexities and uncertainties of the world outside. Inman's thoughts wandered, contemplating how the melody carried no hints of a future filled with darkness or complications, allowing only the possibility of joy and untroubled youth to resonate through its familiar notes.