Frightful noise, that. Imagine possessing the audacity to use such a vulgar instrument in a public place...

His bellowing tone was off today; more so than usual. Inwardly, I shuddered at the repulsive wail that intended to pass for musical aptitude. Turning from my shadow in Box Five, I was idly amazed at the utter, encompassing boredom that had lured me from my Cimmerian safe shelter below. Tediously leaning my head against the draped wall, I closed my eyes and contemplated boredom.

The Khanum had once demanded my presence because of her boredom, as if anyone could command me. "I'm bored, Erik. Bored, bored, bored!" The depraved, disgusting woman had asked me, point blank, if I had ever..had ever... "Have you ever had a woman, Erik? I could arrange it, you know. I could arrange it very easily." That she had; the little sultana had been barely a woman and would rather died than permit me touch her.

Yes, boredom had caused several deaths in my sordid past.

I must find something with which to occupy myself. There was nothing more to do now that Garnier and I had completed my masterpiece - my monument to music. The only solace I have ever known which would serve as my most elaborate tombstone. Wincing at the yowl that Piangi had tried to send Heavenward, I knew I must leave immediately or risk killing him. Putting my hand to door, I sensed rather than heard the presence of others. Instantly and silently, I ensconced myself inside the hidden, hollow column of Box Five while congratulating myself on the foresight of placing so many concealed and unknown such places in the Opera House. Giggling and hurried, light footsteps along with the quick closing of the box door and I knew I was a prisoner of excited, adolescent dancers. Rolling my eyes, I acknowledged I would have to wait impatiently for these brave children who more than likely lost a dare. Foolish females who would no doubt recount their bold exploits to awed peers at the first available opportunity.

Jesus, I was getting too old for this.

"Shhhhhh! He'll hear you!" whispered a breathless female voice. Hushed by fear of the unknown and the certain proximity of a bored opera ghost, the girls did their best to remain silent. Yet the ensuing clumsy, ungraceful bumps as well as the stifled squeals would surely have Madame Giry in a fury had she known.

"This is silly; there is no one here!"

"Quiet, you goose! He'll hear you and punish you for your insolence!"

This….when I had the presumption to believe that Piangi's bellows were the most irksome situation I would encounter that day. Truly, God does have a sense of humor.

My ears were assaulted by that insufferable noise emanating through the column from the stage. Along with being held captive by excited adolescents - it was really too much. "This is what comes from being bored. I should have remained in my lair." I wordlessly chided myself wearily.

Of course, I thought suddenly with a wicked delight, I was the Opera Ghost. It is not as though I went intently looking to terrorize these children - they did come seeking me. Smiling evilly, I chose to feed my already horrifying reputation and give these girls what, or whom, they sought.