
"Calliope," the second story in the 11th episode of "The Sandman," takes us back to August 2020 and a reception for novelist Richard Madoc's acclaimed sophomore effort ". . . And My Love, She Gave Me Light."
Madoc breezily retrieves a cocktail and eavesdrops on the guests' appraisals of his latest, ranging from envious to gushing. Then he sits down on his couch and hands the drink to a besotted woman.