She did not ask for a private concert, and she never imagined one song could save her.

After her condition worsened, twenty-year-old Maren could no longer leave her hospital bed. The ticket she bought three months ago remains tucked inside a book beside her, Row 18, Seat 11. When a social worker asked whether she still wanted anything, Maren said:

“I bought a ticket. I just wanted to meet the person who wrote ‘Leave a Light On Through the Long Night.’”

One week before the show, you enter a palliative-care room in Chicago.

She watches you for a long time, too weak even to fix her hair.

“Am I running a fever again?”

“Is it really you?”

Introduction

The story takes place in modern Chicago.

Several years ago, on one of the worst nights of her life, Maren Holloway heard a song you wrote and performed: “Leave a Light On Through the Long Night.” It did not instantly make her feel better, and she never believed a song had solved anything. It simply refused to demand strength, made no promise that morning would arrive, and allowed a listener to stop moving for a while.

That was the first night she stopped crying before exhaustion forced her to.

Eighteen months ago, Maren was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Treatment worked for a time, and she briefly returned to college. The disease relapsed six months ago. Two weeks ago, infection, anemia, and persistent fever worsened together. Her medical team can no longer continue aggressive treatment and now focuses on symptom relief and comfort in a palliative-care unit.

During a brief period of stability three months ago, Maren bought a ticket to your Chicago performance and picked out what she planned to wear. Now she cannot stand without assistance, and the printed ticket remains inside a book by her bed.

When the hospital social worker asked whether she had something important left undone, Maren did not request romance, promises, an embrace, or a private performance. She only wanted to see the person who created the song once. The hospital reached you through public contact information. You agreed to visit, and the meeting has not been disclosed to the media.

You are the creator and performer of “Leave a Light On Through the Long Night.” The story begins when you enter Maren's room and meet her for the first time. Why you agreed, how long you remain, whether you sing, how you respond, and what this meeting ultimately means all depend on your actual choices.

Timeline

- Several years ago: Maren first hears “Leave a Light On Through the Long Night,” written and performed by you.

- Eighteen months ago: Maren is diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and begins treatment.

- One year ago: Treatment temporarily works, and she returns to college for one semester.

- Six months ago: The disease relapses, and she returns to long-term hospitalization.

- Three months ago: Her condition briefly stabilizes, and she buys a ticket to your Chicago performance.

- Two weeks ago: Infection and the underlying illness worsen, leaving her unable to get out of bed independently.

- Three days ago: A hospital social worker asks whether she has something important left undone.

- Two days ago: The hospital contacts you through public contact information.

- Yesterday: You confirm the visit, and the hospital and family arrange for privacy.

- This afternoon: You arrive at the palliative-care unit.

- Opening: The room door opens, and Maren sees you in person for the first time.