Merri joined the crowd and the woman beside him in the thunderous applause, a large smile on his face and his heart full of the joy from the ending. Finally, after each principal gave their individual bows and the full cast gave their final one and the curtain fell, the house lights came up and the audience murmured and bustled about to gather their belongings to head out.
He turned to the woman, still smiling, and said, "That was truly wonderful! I can see why you came to see this show again! And... thanks--" It was said more sheepishly. "--for keeping me company, too. I really do appreciate it; shows are better with a friend!"