The first act of La Bohème has left me paralyzed… I can’t get myself to listen to the rest of the opera.

It’s my first Puccini opera. I was in love from the first listen. As I like to listen with the libretto, I only listened to the first act. I cannot continue. I’ve listened some ten times already, and just now I’m lying in bed crying.

I have no idea of the story, so please no spoilers. But it’s an opera, so I just know something terrible will happen. This pure, beautiful, naive love will not last (Rodrigo and Mimi). I just don’t want to know what will happen. I am too attached to these characters by now.

Help!!

EDIT: JUST LISTENED TO THE REST I cried, even as I was reading the libretto a couple of seconds before the music. From act 1 it was already clear what would happen to Mimi, so that wasn’t a surprise! This is the first opera I listen to where there are no villains, I LOVED that. Just a story, no real injustices other than the tragic realities of life. I found the very ending a little weak, but that was just my impression on a first listen. What I think will remain with me forever is these utterly lovable characters, all of them. Thanks to all who replied for sharing this journey with me!