My first one. I saved for three years in the orchestra to buy it. Three years of playing perfect notes in perfect black clothes for people who clapped politely and went home. She deserved better than that life too. We went out together. We went out loud. The audience gasped. I consider that a good death.

// cause of death: stage, full velocity, no regrets

She fell off a stand during a power cut. I was across the room. I heard it happen before I saw it. The neck just — snap. Clean. I didn't cry. I picked up the pieces very calmly and put them on the shelf and then I went outside and sat on the ground for a while. That's not crying. That's processing.

// cause of death: gravity. we don't talk about it.

I've told this story three different ways and I stand by all of them. What matters is she's up on the wall now with the others and she looks good up there. Dignified. She was always a bit dramatic anyway. She would have wanted this.

// cause of death: classified. stop asking.