It was early spring, Erik had loved this secluded village because there were only a few elderly residents that inhabited it. If there was one thing about elderly people it's that experience has taught them to live and let live. He was never hounded in the streets and asked to take off his mask, if he was looked at in the street then it was a simple (if somewhat toothless) smile that greeted him.
The only other young person in the village was Gustave Daae and the two men had formed a close friendship. Gustave was a great violinist, even without any official training. Erik sometimes tried to offer him a word of advice but was always greeted with a fiery stare that told him not to try and interfere with Gustave's art.
"The way I see it, Erik." Gustave would start. "Is that imperfections in music are nothing to be ashamed of. Music is a creation of humanity and every human makes mistakes."
"My dear friend, in my eyes humanity is defined by our strive for perfection." Erik's response was not meant to offend but to tease.
"Unfortunately, there is too much pressure on people to be perfect...you should know that by now." His eyes glinted with mischief as he knew that Erik would never react badly to something he said.
Erik smiled. Gustave was right, as always. Even though Gustave was less than a decade older than him, Erik always felt that he was being nurtured under the protective wing of an older brother.
When the day finally came that Erik decided to move to the city and leave this sleepy village to it's own devices, Gustave was extremely reluctant to let him go.
"Erik, please, remember how distressing you find large crowds. The attention of those people will do nothing but enrage you!"
Erik arched his eyebrow at his friend's protestation.
"After years of being under the scrutiny of others, I think I know how to handle myself." Erik's tone was cold. He was tired of living in a cranking, old village and wanted to stretch his wings.
"Fine." Gustave stuck his chin out defiantly. "On your head be it."
That was the last word spoken between the two men. Erik rose from his chair and disappeared into the night.
Time and time again Erik scolded himself for being so harsh to his greatest friend. He eventually came to the decision that he would return and make his apologies to Gustave and prayed that he still lived in the same chocolate-box cottage.
Gustave lived on the very outskirts of the settlement. Here he could practice the violin all day long and not get any complaints from the neighbours. Erik managed the walk in next to no time, thanks to his long, muscular legs.
Walking up the garden path he noticed something was missing. No violin music. Of course, Gustave could have been taking a break but Erik felt on edge. He hesitated as he continued down the path and on reaching the door he was almost reluctant to knock.
He was right. Something was wrong. A woman who looked to be in her mid 30s opened the door.
"Y-" She froze. The sight of the masked stranger looming in the doorway stopped her in her tracks.
"My apologies, I was wondering if Monsieur Daae..."
"Monsieur Daae moved some months ago. He took the young child with him." She motioned to close the door, obviously frightened by Erik's appearance but he threw his hand up and pushed gently on the wood to prevent it from slamming in his face.
"Please...the child? When I last saw him he had..."
"Then you must have not seen him for a considerable time, monsieur." He was beginning to get tired of her interruptions. "Monsieur Daae married a young woman, roughly five years ago but when she fell pregnant with their first child there were some complications. Madame Daae died in child birth." The last part of her explanation came in a softer tone, she was obviously trying to be respectful to the dead.
Erik was shocked. Not only had Gustave married, and fathered a child in the time since their last meeting but he had also suffered significant loss. He wondered if Gustave had changed and if he still played the violin.
"The child must be about two or three. Now, if you'll excuse me monsieur..."
"Wait!" Erik's desperation was beginning to show. "Is there any sign or indication of where they might have gone?"
The woman shook her head slowly which made her black curls swing softly from side to side.
"I'm afraid not." And with that, she shut the door.
Erik turned from the door and rubbed the exposed side of his face. He had no idea where to go next but he knew that he had to find them.