postlude

This term carries a sense of finality and resolution, often evoking a mood of reflection or closure. In a liturgical or classical music context, it is the formal counterpart to the prelude, serving to transition the audience from a sacred or structured space back into the ordinary world.

When used figuratively to describe a period of time, it suggests a winding-down phase. It differs from a "sequel" in that a postlude is typically a concluding accompaniment or a quiet aftermath rather than a new, independent narrative or event.