That night, I easily snuck out of the orphanage (by that point I'd figured out that was what it was), and walked down the dark, unfamiliar streets. I'd never been to this part of town, and therefore had almost no idea where I was going. 'I guess Eponine doesn't know her way around as well as she thinks she does.' I thought wryly to myself. I was cold, hungry, and still a bit weak from whatever sickness the poor girl had. I was barefoot, and I kept stepping in freezing puddles, but I continued on until a few hours later, I found a street I recognized. I ran down it excitedly, knowing every turn and cobblestone like it was the back of my hand. 'That's more like it!' I smirked to myself. After another twenty minutes or so of just running, I got to my destination. It was a little fort-like area I'd created after my father had disowned me. It was in an abandoned store cellar, and everything I owned, or, had 'borrowed' I stored there. There was one particular thing I was looking for, something, I'd treasured until I'd died. I stumbled through the dark, choking on dust, feeling around on the floor of the cellar. Finally, I found it. It was a book Marius had given me when I'd told him you didn't need books to be intelligent. He'd had a good laugh at that, and I'd been slightly offended, but I could never stay mad at him for even the fraction of a moment. The next day he gave me one of his anatomy books, with a sweet little note in the front reading, "For my bright Éponine, stay street smart! –Marius". I'd treasured that book and pushed myself to learn to read it, and though I'd never been able to read the entire thing, I learned more than I had known when I had began. I soon located the book, and placed my fingers gently on the first page, the only one in the book I knew by heart. I held it close to my heart and sighed, remembering how excited I'd been when he'd given me the book, and how I'd felt my heart stop when I read the note. I snuck out of the cellar and hurried back out onto the street. By this time, it was at least six in the morning, so a few early rising citizens were already up and about. I remained in the shadows, just watching all the people pass by. I felt a hint of jealousy as they passed by, completely oblivious to the poor people waiting hungry in the shadows, so focused on their own busy lives. As soon as I was basically alone, with only a few drunkards left on the other side of the street, I stepped out into the sunlight. I had to squint, my eyes adjusting from the darkness I'd just been in. I closed them, smiling as the sun warmed my cheeks, and I took a few more steps, but then bumped into something. I cracked my eyes open slightly, seeing a man towering above me. "Oh, excuse me mademoiselle." He chuckled, looking down at me. I froze. That voice… it was… "You must watch where you're going dear." A woman laughed, and my head snapped over to where she stood next to him. My heart dropped to the bottom of my chest. It was Marius and Cosette, looking happy as ever strolling down the street, arm in arm. I opened my mouth to say something, but no words came out. "What are you reading there, little miss?" Marius asked, tickling the side of my neck. The little girl in me giggled, and held out the book. The Éponine part of me tried to fight it, for what would he think if he saw the note? But he simply glanced at the cover, to my relief. "Ah, the basics of anatomy. I had a book just like that once! Gave it to my dear friend Éponine, God rest her soul. Quite advanced for your age! I wish you luck in your studies, mademoiselle." He winked at me, and Anette giggled. "Thank you monsieur." Was all I could think to say. For once, I was glad to have the innocent child's feelings as part of me, for if I hadn't, I think I would have broke down crying right then and there. Cosette patted my head, much to my irritation, and off they went, her head on his strong shoulder. My shattered heart was so strong it overcame all other conflicted feelings. I ran back into one of the alleyways, tears blurring my vision. At least he hasn't completely forgotten me. At least my memory lives on with him, even with her at his side. What had he just called me? 'My dear friend…' You should be grateful. I tried to tell myself, but it was so hard to hear above the screaming pain. I looked down at the book. You're all I have left… I thought sadly.