Jeremy San Francisco — 1870

“When Jeremy is ten, Gayle takes him to San Francisco to play in the American’s ‘Young Musicians Competition – for Protégés. It is being held to inaugurate the newly constructed San Francisco Opera House.

“Dozens arrive from all over the country traveling the new railroad, some come from as far away as Boston, bearing musical dreams and well-fingered sonatas.”

Ryan stands in the light of the past, watching Jeremy and Gayle travel across the Bay toward victory. Seagulls fly overhead appearing and disappearing in clouds of steam from the boat. The sea and air are alive. Jeremy leans over the boat rail delighting in the spray that runs salt fingers through his hair. Gayle does not notice the white birds or the contrasting blue of water and sky. She is seeing Jeremy winning first place, claiming the prize, shaming those from more civilized shores.