Clara didn't just click "Buy." She emailed the shop with three specific requests:

Was the little wooden dowel inside still standing upright?

Shipping a cello is like shipping a glass sculpture. When the massive box arrived, Clara followed the "Acclimation Rule": she let the box sit in her living room for . This allowed the wood to slowly adjust to the temperature and humidity of her home, preventing the dreaded "shock cracks." Chapter 5: The Inspection

The shop sent back a video of a cellist playing a Bach suite on the very instrument Clara was eyeing. The tone was chocolatey and deep. She was sold. Chapter 4: The Arrival