Pipa Player Under Starlight in Sandakan Rain

Deep shadows cover the stage floor where a musician sits playing a moon-shaped pipa. A sharp rim of cool starlight outlines the curve of the instrument and the player's profile against the dark. Raindrops glisten on the polished wood of the strings, reflecting the faint blue of the evening sky. A sheen of moisture covers the performer's skin. Behind the figure, the darkness is absolute, save for the distant, cold glow of stars piercing the cloud band. The player's fingers move rapidly, blurring slightly against the dark wood. One drop of water slides down the neck of the pipa, catching the faint light before falling into the shadow below.