Chapter XXI.

It was unbearably dark and cold. If only he could at least figure out the place of light switches or heat the house up a bit. But no way should he investigate anything here in this deserted ghost mansion. A wrong move and the torture chamber starts, and there is no way out. Maybe even the door closes automatically, even if it is open right now. Who knows with Erik? He wasn't exactly sure how much time did he spend there already, in that dark corner, motionless. His eyes were somewhat used to the darkness that surrounded him, maybe he should very carefully try to get out of the house once again? He already tried it once, but he did not have much success, only he gained some bruises when he tripped over some stairs that led to another room and fell on his knees. This was worse than the last time he visited this horrible place. There were no light and no furniture and absolutely nothing he could find useful. Not a lantern or candle was left there to give at least some light. No food was stored anywhere and no wood or coal to use to light a fire. The only way out he knew was the upper exit in the third cellar, but how could he climb up to the rooftop to reach it? There were nothing in the torture chamber he could stand or climb up on, and even if he did, the roof was still a few meters away from that damned stone. Why, oh why did he come down here? No one will find him ever, and he is going to die of starvation, or thirst here and… wait a minute, did Erik really pack all the wine from here or is there some left? He should at least investigate and try to find Erik's wine cellar, to get something to drink if there is any. He slowly stood up and tried to walk as slowly as possible and stretch his leg out to search for steps or any kind of things laying around. It came to his mind that his father blindfolded him once when he was running around with a knife to play swordfight with a friend. He told him "See, Mohammed that is how blind people have to live. If you are not careful enough, you could become one of them. It is bad, isn't it? Be more careful, son. You only have two eyes. They are so easy to lose." It was a really horrible experience. He slowly and steadily reached to a door in front of him, and for a second, he was happy that he found the way out, but as he opened the door, it turned out to be the totally empty Louis- Philippe room. He sighed and hit the wall with his fist in frustration. He will never ever reach the surface again…

Christine was sadly cradling her tiny son in her arms when the doorbell rang. She stood up tiredly and emotionally worn out, without any sleep for two days, and dragged herself to answer the door. She wasn't properly dressed, as she did not even care about getting dressed, nor to check anything in the house, she wasn't even sure of which day it was already, and she wore her nightwear still, though it was already three in the afternoon. Not the right way to receive a visit, but in this state of mind she could care less. She was even determined to send them away as soon as possible, but when she saw who it was, she could do no such a thing. She nearly fell out of her slippers when she saw the visitor standing there on her doorstep. She expected it to be the Daroga, who finally came back after two days of absence, but it wasn't him. It was a nicely dressed and smiling Raoul de Chagny. He held a bouquet of white roses and bowed his head to Christine. Spring sunlight was playing with his blonde hair and he smiled warmly at her.

- Raoul… how did you get here…?

- Good morning, Christine. – His voice rang so soothingly, it was something she was seeking for since she got Erik's death report, a little emotional support and kindness. Without a word, she hugged Raoul's neck with her free hand and started crying without any explanation.

- What is wrong, my dear? Is there something I can…

- Come in, please… - She dried her eyes, and guided him in, sitting him down in the salon. They were just sitting together for a time, silently, Raoul could feel in the air and looking at Christine's condition that something was wrong. After some time it was the man who broke the silence and asked on a comforting tone:

- Did someone harm you? Christine, you know that you can tell me anything. You can trust me as I am your friend. Remember I am here through thick or thin.

- Oh Raoul… you really are… a great friend. How did you find me?

- I wanted to visit you at the Opera last night. I haven't seen you for a time and I worried that you might have been hurt… I then heard you had another childbirth and I came to congratulate you for the baby. I can see it is just as beautiful as you are. Is it a he or a she?

- A boy. – Christine whispered. – Erik Florian Daaé- Spöke.

- Oh. – Raoul lowered his head. – Poor Papa Florian. But I am happy someone inherited his name.

- He deserved it. – Christine stated softly. – And so did Erik.

- Is he… at home? – Raoul looked around a bit nervously, being afraid that Erik might jump out of a corner suddenly and ask him about the purpose of his visit.

- No. – She cried again.

- Oh… did you have a fight, that is why you are so sad, Christine?

- If only… - Christine sobbed, placing Flo down on the sofa next to her, being afraid she will drop him. Her hands were shaking. – If only we had a fight once more… what would I give for it!

- Did he dare to leave you? – Raoul asked with disbelief.

- Yes… he left… forever! – She hugged Raoul, sobbing, but trying her best to calm down.

- Did he…? – Roul couldn't finish his sentence. He suddenly realized what Christine was talking about. She was left here alone with two children as a widow. He couldn't understand the reason behind it but he found out that Christine really loved Erik and now she is mourning him. – When did it happen? – He added with sympathy.

- On 9th of May. – She murmured it softly, muffled by Raoul's coat.

- Three days… it is too fresh yet… how are you…?

- I don't know. The only thing I know is I am heartbroken, Raoul. I… I feel I lost a piece of my soul.

- Is there anything I can help you with?

- That may be too much of you to ask… but would you please stay here with the children while I am away at the hospital? I have to take care of the things… needed to be done. And I can't leave the children alone.

- But of course! You know I love children. How is your daughter?

- She is fine… practicing I think. Her name is Mahtab. Please… don't tell her about Erik… she doesn't know it yet.

- I see. – Raoul nodded.

- Raoul… I have to tell you something about Mahtab… she is… she is…

- What is it that I don't know about, Mama?

They got startled when the high – pitched voice came from the door and they saw the small child entering the room. She was dressed as usually, like a boy, and her hands were all dirty by ink. But the inky skeletal hands weren't the things that made Raoul back away. It wasn't fear of being touched and getting dirty – it was fear of being touched at all by this little creature. The sunken, different colored eyes were examining him, just as the little living dead would be wondering where they met before. Raoul was reminded too much of that fearful father of this little skeleton, and he did not really see it as a child now. He backed away a few steps from the girl, but suddenly he realized how he was acting. This child could do nothing about who her father was. Christine knelt down to the little ugly thing and she pressed a soft kiss on her bony cheeks and said as calm as she could:

- Papa has to stay in the hospital for some more time as he is a bit of sick still, dear. I am going to visit him now.

- May I go with you?

- No, dear, a hospital is no place for a small child. Please be a good girl and stay here with Monsieur Raoul until I come back.

- I don't want to stay here with the lobster! – Mahtab whined. – I want to see Papa!

- Mahtab don't dare to talk like this again! You will be a good girl and stay here or else I will tell Papa how disrespectful you are and he won't want to come home! – Christine yelled at the child a lot louder and more frustrated than she wanted to. She also felt sorry for threatening Mahtab with Erik's disappearance, but she did not have anything better to say all of a sudden.

Mahtab seemed to accept her reasoning and sat down to the sofa obeying, next to her baby brother who was still sleeping there peacefully. As Christine left, the girl just stared at Raoul for a time, than curiously jumped off of the sofa and walked closer. Raoul tried his best not to be afraid so much of the small corpse, but everything about her made him think of Erik. He face, her movements, her intonation when speaking, and her silent and awkward staring.

- Ummm… so… your name is Mahtab? – He sounded rather silly but he felt he needed to talk to her about something as this silence was killing him.

- Yes. – She nodded. – And yours?

- I'm Raoul.

- Are you Mama's friend?

- Yes, I am her friend from our childhood. – Raoul smiled, thinking back at the young girl he met so long time ago.

- And Papa's too?

- Well, I… don't know him for that a long time. I have met him in the past once or twice. –"And it is the better like this." – He added in thought. He knew he should feel sorry for Erik's death, but the way he acted even the last time they met at the Opera, made him so upset that he could not have a nice thought about his arch enemy. He knew that neither the Daroga or Christine hated Erik, not even on that night at the Opera, but he did, from this first moment to the last.

- I miss Papa. – She admitted after a few moments of silence and she looked around as she was searching for him in the house. – He had to go to the hospital and he isn't home yet. He promised me that he will come home soon. Did you have your tonsils removed?

- Not yet. – Raoul answered, suddenly feeling sorry for this poor child. She can do nothing about her father's sins and personality. She seems to be a nice and smart girl, smarter than usual kids. It is obvious that Erik spent much time tutoring her. She was so sad about the absence of her Papa – a father she loved so much. If this child and Christine are both able to love Erik so much… it could at least mean something. – But I am sure it is not painful. I think your Papa is going to be home in no time. – Raoul added comfortingly.

- I hope so. – Mahtab replied. – I don't have anyone to work on my toy with. Do you know anything about organ pipes, Monsieur Raoul?

- Sadly nothing. – He smiled and scratched his head. – I only learned some violin when I was a boy but I wasn't too good at it.

- Then you know anything about trains?

- I prefer ships. – He smiled. – You know, I used to be in the army.

- Are you a soldier?

- I was, until… until I got injured.

- What has happened to your hand? – She was suddenly very caring, not the weird scientific interest made her ask about it, but her compassion.

- I was at a very cold place and… I lost some of my fingers.

He shuddered to the mere thought as he remembered back to the operation that was still hauting his memory. He would wake up at nights from terrible nightmares and sometimes his missing fingers, even though they weren't there, were in pain. Their place was in pain, to be clear. He did not think something like this was possible, but the truth was that he had terrible cramps at a spot on his body that did not even exist anymore.

- I am sorry to hear that. – She looked up at him and Raoul knew that the girl was honest. She wasn't as mean as her father – on the contrary – she sounded like Christine. Caring, affectionate and compassionate.

- Well, don't worry about it. – Raoul smiled and suddenly felt the urge to touch the kid. He patted her shoulder and stroke her silky blondish hair. – It is mostly all right. But now what if we looked at your train? Maybe I can figure out something.

- All right. – Mahtab ran to her room excitedly and gestured to Raoul to follow her.

Raoul de Chagny was fascinated by the house – at least the amount he saw of it – and he had to admit that Erik was indeed a genius in architecture. Not even the de Chagny Mansion looked so brilliant. The children had a very roomy and comfortable nursery and it was decorated with a great taste. He gasped in surprise upon looking at Mahtab's bed.

- What a nice train… - He smiled.

- It is not a train, it is a locomotive. – Mahtab looked at him with displeasure in her voice and now he was again reminded of Erik. – Papa made it for me. – She added dreamily.

- Can you sing? – Raoul asked suddenly, hoping to hear a sweet melody performed on Christine's voice, even if it is only a child, but he had to disappoint once more as the child shook her head and said:

- I am not interested in singing myself. I only play music.

- Which instruments do you play?

- I play the piano and Papa started teaching me to play the violin as well.

She handed him a piece of Paper and a full sheet of plans. They made it together with Erik a few days back and it only needed to be completed. Raoul did not even get what he should read out of the drawings, even though he saw a train figure and some other plans of wheels and some pipes. They reminded him of a pipe organ but he hasn't seen any keyboard plans included.

- Your Papa wants to build another pipe organ? – Raoul asked cluelessly.

- But of course not. It is how my train is going to work. I thought you could help me build it.

- I don't… really understand your Papa's plans. – He admitted softly, feeling as stupid as a first grader.

- It is simple. – Mahtab stated with an unquestionable tone in her voice, imitating Erik. – I am going to explain, just pay attention. – This was also a sentence she borrowed from her father as he used it a lot with her.

She started explaining the meaning behind the plans and the mechanism they wanted to use to make the small machine work. Raoul, if it was possible at all, felt even more clueless and humiliated than before. He was sure that this little thing isn't even old enough to attend school, and still, it already knows more than he does. It was frightening from the mouth of such a tiny thing. It wasn't how it should have been. The girl frightened him and made him feel sorry at the same time.

Christine arrived back from the hospital, about two hours later, white as the wall and trembling. Raoul actually was happy for her return as he was afraid to be left alone with this dwarf Faust – corpse, even though he was ashamed of the thought. He was worried about Christine's state and guided her quickly in the drawing room, sitting her down, and gently handing her a glass of water. Christine was just half alive. She was biting her lips nervously for a time than to Raoul's growing worry and nagging, she finally started talking:

- Raoul it is… horrible… everyone keeps disappearing… the Daroga did not come back…

- Maybe he is just at home…

- But Erik disappeared as well! – She cried in panic. – Erik disappeared!

- But isn't he dead? – Raoul asked, knowing nothing about the situation and getting more and more confused.

- I got a telegram saying he was, but as I found out now… he wasn't truly dead. They used too much drug to put him to sleep, as the doctor later solved the puzzle… and he was sleeping too deeply and his heart… seemed to stop… but he woke up… and left!

- Where?

- That is what we don't know… - she whispered. – The doctor says he needed more days of treatment and complications were very likely to happen… if he did not seek medical help… he might be dead by now… oh Raoul!

- Wait, you said if he didn't seek help. – He suddenly had an idea. – But what if he did?

- Oh… - Christine lifted her head up. – Maybe…

- Who is his doctor? – Raoul kept asking.

- Doctor Bonsanté is our family doctor… he has been treating Erik for decades… why didn't I think of him…?

- You are in panic, my dear… that is why. – Raoul petted Christine's shoulder with love. – I shall take you there to check in him, you are simply not in the state of walking alone.

- But the children…

- I am sure they will be fine. I tidied your small son just before you arrived and he wasn't hungry I think. And Mahtab… well, how old is she?

- Four years old.

- Well, I am not saying it is a right thing to leave a four year – old home alone, but I think she will be fine once. Tell her to behave well and we will go and search for your Erik. Remember, we only want to make sure he was all right.

Christine nodded and slowly stood up, trying her best to collect her strength both physically and emotionally. She walked to the nursery, and caressed Flo's face in the cradle then she knelt in front of the bed where Mahtab was sitting and she examined her mother curiously.

- What is wrong? – She asked with growing suspicion.

- Nothing, my dear. – She forced a sincere smile on herself. – I am going to visit Papa.

- I want to go as well! – She jumped off of the bed with sudden happiness, and ran to her dresser to pull out the drawer to find her coat.

- No, sweetie, you have to stay here. Please be a good girl, and don't do anything silly. All right? Please promise me you two will be safe.

- Why can't I go with you? – Mahtab whined with disappointment.

- Because Papa isn't well enough to see so many people yet. – She made up a quick, but still believable lie.

- He is very sick?

- Not very sick, just tired. – Christine tried to comfort and assure the child about everything is going to work out in the end, as she hoped in her heart.

- Tell him I miss him. And to feel better soon. – Mahtab sighed and nodded with agreement, climbing back on her bed.

- I will. – Christine placed a gentle kiss on Mahtab's forehead, and she left the room.

As she left the house with Raoul supporting her while walking, she looked back once more, with a heavy heart. Her eyes were filled with tears and she just felt Raoul gently guiding her towards the gate.

Mahtab was so afraid being left alone with her brother in the house without any of her parents. She could not even recall a time when she was totally home alone. Why everyone keeps leaving her? At first Papa left, then Tonton Mohammed left, and now Mama…? Papa… how very much she misses Papa! To ease her sadness and fear, she started talking to Flo. She was chanting some nursery rhymes she learned from Erik, and softly rocking the cradle. She wasn't yet tall enough for that process and she had to stand on the sole of the cradle to be able to rock it by her own weight.

As the front door opened, Shadow was running towards it, barking and howling happily. Mahtab did not know what has happened and she was just hoping that someone at least arrived home. The door was opened by keys as she heard the rattling sound a few seconds before, and she knew it was because some of her relatives arrived back. She wanted to jump off of the sole to investigate the issue, but her shoe got stuck and she just fell – it hurt. But not as much as the weight of the cradle that hit her back with a sudden force. She started screaming of pain and horror, and she could hear footsteps getting closer to the room.

Flo was laying on the ground, crying from the top of his lungs, and Mahtab was laying under the fallen cradle, crying as well from the top of her lungs. That was the sight that Erik's eyes met upon arriving home. He jumped to the cradle as quickly as he could, lifting it off of the screaming child, kneeling down to see if any of the children were all right. Flo only seemed to be scared of falling out of bed and as he examined the baby, he did not find a broken bone or injury, so he just soothingly cradled him in his arms. Mahtab stopped crying when she realized it was her beloved Papa at home finally, so she wanted to jump up to hug him, but she felt pain while trying, so she did not try it any more, just lay there, still sniffing.

- Don't try to get up, please. – Erik ordered, but his voice was calm, so Mahtab didn't feel so terrified any more. Papa's voice was kind of different – softer and more husky than usual.

- My leg hurts. – She sniffed again.

- All right, let Papa see it, will you?

Erik needed much effort to calm himself down enough to be able to speak calmly to the children. He knew if he was upset it would just cause the little ones to get more frightened. As he gently lifted the little girl on his lap he instantly found out what the problem was: Mahtab's ankle got broken. He was searching for other traumas on her body and she complained about feeling pain in her back and chest as well. Thankfully no sign of broken ribs could have been found, as Erik was checking her carefully, more and more times, so he just assumed Mahtab got some bruises because of the accident. Flo was totally healthy, thank Heaven. Erik wiped his sweaty forehead after taking care of her daughter and putting her to bed. Only then he had the time and opportunity to ask what has happened.

- Why you two are alone? Where is Mama?

- She went to visit you with Monsieur Raoul. – Mahtab replied.

- Monsieur… who? – Erik's cat – eyes narrowed suspiciously.

- Raoul.

No doubt the child said that exact name, he heard it right. At first he imagined only his tortured mind was making a fool of him. But no. Well, that is why she isn't home. She left with that young man. He felt it was better if Mahtab didn't notice his uneasy thoughts, so he tried to focus on something else. He stroke the child's tiny skull face with his thumb, softly speaking to her some sentences to calm her and when she finally fell asleep, he got up from the edge of the locomotive- shaped bed, and wandered out to the Hall. He thought it will be best if he starts to tidy things up a bit as he saw there was no one to clean up for some time and he hated chaos and mess. His face was a mess enough, his home at least should be immaculate.

He found two letters laying around, the first one was on the end table in the hall, and the second one just laying around on the floor, neglected. It was addressed by Dr. Bonsanté's shaky handwriting and was unopened. He opened it to run through it, but it was what he thought it was – the doctor's letter to Christine in which he told her about Erik's how and whereabouts. But if she did not open it, why did she tell Mahtab she was going to visit him? Of course, she couldn't know that he was released to go home this afternoon, with the doctor's warning not to overstrain himself and he was strongly advised to get bed rest and fluid intake as much as possible. Maybe she did not even have in mind to visit him, but go to have fun with Chagny? The second letter was a telegram, it was opened and read. As he read it he nearly fainted – those idiots sent Christine his death report! He did not even know about this. He saw some drops of dried tears on the paper and he instantly knew that Christine grieved him actually. He did not know how and why de Chagny get in the picture, but he now couldn't imagine Christine spending a great evening with Raoul.

He was actually astonished how calm he was. His old self now would be furious, throwing things, breaking breakable object, causing a catastrophe all over the house and swear to God that he will both kill the unfaithful woman and so the young man, but such feelings weren't in his heart at that time. He was worried. He decided if Christine returns he will be gentle with her, and won't throw a tantrum – it will be a big enough shock for Christine to see him here, alive. Even his anger about Mahtab's accident started to fade. He made some hot tea and changed to nightwear again. He wasn't feeling too well yet, he was a bit weak. Doctor Bonsanté only let him home because he became too impatient to treat in the doctor's office and he just told Erik: "All right, go home as I am sure you will heal up more quickly with your family, but don't overstrain your body or your voice. Sleep and drink as much as you can." He decided to listen to advices given to him more than he did before. The Daroga told him that if he acted like he did at the Opera, he was going to lose Christine. He shouldn't make mistakes if he wants his family to stay together in love. It would be a wiser move just to wait and see how Christine reacts to his homecoming – and after the reaction, he could make the decision that hurts everyone the least.

Suddenly he heard people talking outside so he snuck to the window to see what was happening. He stood as he was covered by the drapes but he was able to see and hear everything perfectly. The couple outside was Christine and Raoul de Chagny.

- I told you I was going to be fine, Raoul. – She said faintly.

- I had to accompany you home. It is late and you are so weak. I worry about you.

- I know, my friend.

"Friend? That is good to hear."- Erik thought to himself and leaned a bit closer not to miss a single word from the conversation. Damn they were talking so softly he could hardly hear it not even by his perfect hearing.

- Christine, are you sure you don't need me here with you?

- I am sure Erik is here.

- What if he isn't? – He kept going on. – Do you really want to stay all alone with two children?

- I am not alone. You just told I have two children with me, even if Erik isn't home. But he should be, if not by now, but he sure arrives home tonight. The doctor said he left to come home. What else would he do? I know he will be here. And I am happy about it. I can't wait to finally see him again.

- All right, Christine, but if you need me… you know where to find me.

- I do.

- Good night, Christine.

The boy leaned closer to Christine and wanted to kiss her on the lips but the woman turned her head away, lifting her hand in front of her face protectively. Erik felt indescribable triumph upon seeing this.

- Good night, Raoul. – She said, then walked through the gate and headed to the front door.

As she entered the house, she saw Erik's suitcase placed down next to the door and that made her so excited and happy that she couldn't control her emotions. All of the untold sentences, the tears came to the surface and she ran to the drawing room to search for her husband. She couldn't see him there though and she just stood there, unsure of if the suitcase in the Hall was real or just a dream.

- I am here. – She heard a so dear and sweet and so much missed male voice behind her back. She turned around and saw Erik, her beloved husband, standing in the doorway, dressed in a pair of pajamas and a smoking jacket.

- Erik! – She cried out in happiness and ran to him, suddenly leaping into his arms. Erik was surprised and very touched of the unexpected wave of Christine's emotions, but giving it some thought, it was something to be expected. – Oh, Erik… I missed you so much… - she stuttered between sobs of relief.

- Erik missed his beloved Christine as well. – He smiled warmly, now being a hundred percent sure that he had nothing to be afraid of about the boy and Christine.

- Your voice… - Christine lifted her head in surprise.

- What's with it? – Erik asked cautiously.

- It isn't as it was.

- Well… I think it can be expected… three days ago someone was digging in my throat by a scalpel. It will, I hope, get better with time.

- I mean it just got better I think. You sound… even more angelic than before.

- Oh… Christine just maybe did not hear Erik's voice in a long time and she missed Erik, that's why she thinks so.

- Didn't you notice it changed?

- No, Erik haven't spoken much since the surgery. He tried his best to take care of his vocal chords.

- I missed your voice.

- That is why you listened to "The Raven" in my performance?

- Yes. – She nodded. – I thought that was the only thing left for me of you. I don't even have a photograph or not even a painting of you, Erik…

- What a loss it must be… - He let out a sarcastic little chuckle, but his throat felt a bit of uncomfortable.

- Does it still hurt, my angel? – His dear beloved wife asked with concern. It caressed Erik's soul.

- A bit. I am on painkillers, which is how I handle it. The doctor said it is maybe one more week and I get healed. I have to go back to him for a checkup in three days.

- I hope everything is well.

- I am sure it is.

- Why did you run away from the hospital… Erik dear…?

- I don't know, I felt myself in danger and I felt sick.

- Were you very ill?

- I was feverish. Just today it went down. That is why I am home.

- Thank God…

Erik hugged Christine close to himself and started crying softly, knowing that his wife is the best wife on Earth. She loves him so much and worries about him so much… But Christine looked up at him with a bit of uncomfortable expression. There came the subject they still had to talk about.

- Erik… did you see Raoul with me? – She asked softly.

- I did. – He nodded. – I am glad someone was here with you in these hard times. That is actually what Erik wanted. He would never leave you here alone with so much trouble.

- Do you… mean it?

- I do, Christine.

- Aren't you jealous of Raoul?

- Why should I be? – He laughed. – You love Erik more. You have proven it.

- Oh Erik… you have changed. A lot.

- Erik just can hope it is for the better.

- It is. – She kissed his cheeks with love.

- Wait… I left you here with the Daroga. – Erik's eyes widened in surprise. – Where is he?

- He left the morning after we got your death report and never returned.

- It… it is not how he would act.

- Maybe he just went home.

- No, he would never leave you unattended in trouble, I know him. He must be in danger…. I shall search for him.

Erik kissed Christine's forehead and asked her to take care of themselves then he hurried to the bedroom to change into something he could leave the house in.

- Erik, are you crazy? – She gasped. – You are sick and you just came home, don't leave me!

- I will be back soon. I think I know what has happened. – He hurriedly put on his jacket and ran through the front door.

- Erik!

Christine cried for one last time before she finally fainted on the hallway floor.