'Erik...' said a voice like an angel.
'Erik.' the same voice only louder this time.
'Erik, do you hear me?'
He opened his eyes and stopped playing when he saw Christine standing in the doorpost.
'Erik, answer my question: Will you please get me a pillow, I can't reach them. ' She said.
'Oh, of course, love.'
He lay the violin and the bow on the bed and followed Christine out of the room.
In the hallway Christine stood still.
'What were you doing? You are not allowed to play with a wrist like this.'
'It wasn't hurting at all.' he lied, it felt horrible to lie to Christine but he didn't want to make her worry her even more.
'No, not yet. You know I love it when you play, but if you're not cautious enough you'll never be able to play again.'
'I know what I do, love. And I know what the doctor said, but I feel that my wrist can handle it, so why shouldn't I do it?'
Christine sighed.
'But don't come crying, telling me your wrist is hurting.'
Erik chuckled.
'Don't worry. I will not.'
Erik got a pillow for Christine from the top shelf of the closet in Meg's bedroom and then left the room to take a bath.
Christine put the pillow in a light pink pillowcase and lay it on the bed which was right opposite Meg's bed. She sat down at the edge of it and looked around. The room was very cosy and just big enough for two beds and a closet. There were two windows with silk curtains in front of them.
Then the door slowly opened and Olivia's head peeked inside the room.
'Come in, Olivia.' Christine said, 'Are you feeling a little better now?'
Olivia nodded. She walked into the room and sat down on the edge of the bed next to Christine.
She gestured to Christine.
Christine smiled.
'I was already wondering how long it would take before you would ask.' she said. 'But it is kind of a long story.'
Olivia gestures again.
'I don't think he will like it if I tell you what's behind the mask.'
Olivia nodded, a little disappointed about the answer.
'How about a nice cup of tea with honey?' Christine asked to change subject.
Olivia nodded and followed Christine to the living room.
After Erik was totally dressed again he walked to the living room where he saw the two girls with a cup of tea, the fire in the stove was burning.
'Did madame Giry still not return?' he asked while he poured some wine in a glass.
Christine shook her head.
'No, I begin to worry, Erik. What if something bad has happened?'
Erik sat down in the armchair and took a sip from his wine.
'If she isn't back within an hour, then I'll go and search her.' he said.
Suddenly a severe pain hit his arm.
He moaned softly but it was hard enough for Christine to hear it.
'Erik, are you alright?' she asked. Erik smiled at her and nodded.
'Your arm hurts, doesn't it?' Erik's gaze went to Olivia, who was looking very concerned, and back to Christine.
Now put yourself together, don't admit to the pain.
'I'm okay, love. Don't worry about me.' he answered.
'Okay, if you say so Erik.'
The pain didn't leave his arm but was slowly getting worse.
He gazed in the fire, trying not to focus at the pain in his arm.
He sat like this for quite some time. Then Olivia out of nowhere yawned.
Christine looked at the clock which showed it was almost half past nine.
'I think it is time for you to sleep.' Christine said to Olivia who nodded.
Christine stood up and walked with Olivia to her bedroom.
Erik waited till she was gone and then stood up.
Water! I must cool my arm down! It is hurting! It is hurting so badly!
He felt very dizzy and warm; quickly he walked to the bathroom. Slowly he put off the bandage, immediately his face contorted from the pain. He looked at his wound; there were yellow blisters on his arm, which was burning as hell. He made a towel wet and pat the wound, but the pain was so heavy he nearly had to scream. The heat was still increasing.
I must lie down for a moment. It is so warm. Everything is turning.
He could feel himself walking towards his bedroom clinging at everything he saw trying not to fall. Christine walked out of Olivia's bedroom and gasped when she saw Erik walking like a dying one.
'Erik!' she ran to him and gave him some support.
'Erik, you must lie down quickly.' She put a hand at his forehead.
'You're having high fever!'
'Christine,' Erik mumbled, 'I'm fine, dear. I'm fi...' He fell down on the cold wooden floor, he could hear Christine gasp and talk to him before it all faded to black.