It was the perfect summer night in the city. We sat on a bench waiting for a free baroque concert to begin. Around us, hundreds of people gathered, laughing and leaning in to listen to each other. We ate a simple meal and watched the stories unfold around us, the mother and child giggling, the older couple saying everything in a glance, the young lovers sitting on a blanket and within their own world. Central Park is the city's patio and garden, where thousands unwind and gather under the trees and on the lawns.

We listened to the first haunting sound fly up from a violin and relaxed into the joy that comes from knowing that the musicians know their craft and will transport us to another place. Around us people sat in rapt silence, the sky turning to velvety blue and lights starting to shine like stars. And then, lightning bugs came out, flickering and dancing to the music. It was a night of magic. When it ended, we walked home along well-lit paths as the crowds dispersed into the glowing night.