Chapter 0 Summary

The show is over, and the theater is quiet. Meredith walks across the stage and looks out toward the empty seats. He seems to expect something or someone, but there is only a deserted teddy bear still in its chair. Stella waits for him in the property room. As he approaches, she steps back as if frightened. Without looking at her, he states that no excuses will do. Stella tries to defend herself, saying that she is too young to carry the burden of blame and that she is not the only one at fault.

Meredith pushes past the girl and angrily strides into the corridor, looking for Rose. As they walk through the theater, Rose reminds him of Stella's youth and tells him that he shouldn't be so hard on her. Meredith asks if the note sheds any light on what has...