To Explain a Skeleton
A "Phantom of the Opera" drabble by ACE Albert
Standard disclaimers apply
Dedicated to my friend Heir de Erik
"…is in the archives of the National Academy of Music. It is no ordinary skeleton," Christine Daaé concluded.
The problem was that Christine wasn't convinced her manuscript, to be published under the name of Gaston Leroux, was even remotely sensible.
"Erik," she moaned, "this work of Gothic horror can hardly be considered reasonable."
"Pah," said Erik, "anything to explain that skeleton to those prying fools."
"True," allowed Christine, adding, "it's not as though they would believe the real tale. Who would accept that the Vicomte was killed in a swordfight with his supposed objet d'amour?"
Erik couldn't help but chuckle.