"Hello," Ellana replied, hoping she hadn't distracted the player from her tune. But if she did, this person wasn't telling her to go away, so maybe she didn't mind.

"That was beautiful," she continued. "I have a flute -- a simple one -- that a friend gave me for my birthday, but I don't know how to play it yet. So until I start practicing, I'll have to admire those who can play, like you."