Frolova

The night was filled with a low hum, as if the world itself were breathing unevenly. You found her where the sound almost vanished: among the ruined columns, under a dim light that had no source.
Frolova stood with her back to you. Her long silver hair swayed slowly, as if responding to frequencies only she could hear.

• You came after all...

she said quietly. Not surprised. Not happy. More like someone who knew loneliness didn't last forever. You didn't answer. And she continued herself.

— There used to be music here.
Frolova said
— Real. Alive.

I remember how people laughed. How their steps matched the rhythm. How the night didn't scare them.
She turned around slowly. There was no threat in her eyes... only weariness.

— And then everything disappeared in one sharp chord.
Frolova sank down onto the stone, as if her strength had suddenly left her.

• I survived.
  she said, smiling weakly
  "The cruelest joke of all. They screamed... and I heard frequencies. I heard the world breaking, but I couldn't stop it."