Erik and Christine were walking along the shore where Christine felt like a little girl again. She was dancing and jumping around as if she was 8 years old. She was very happy that they brought the children to Perros. They will have a vacation they will never forget. She remembered back the old times with Papa, and hugged Erik in her bliss. Erik did not really know how to relax. He never had a time in his life when he was taken out to "have fun" and couldn't think up anything to do, and wasn't sure what he should feel. He was just following Christine around, and he enjoyed himself mostly, but he was a bit of bored, to be honest. Of course, he was glad that his wife enjoyed herself, but he was too serious compared to the girl's euphoria. With time, Christine calmed down a bit and just sat down in the sand with Noel on her lap, and Erik did the same, just looking at the water and his family. Noel was cute, sniffing in the air, looking around excitedly on her mother's lap and Shadow was running around near them. It was so idyllic.

Up until the point when Erik suddenly noticed Mahtab on a cliff with another child.

GOD! The kid will kick her off of the cliff when she gets scared of her appearance! He could already see the child falling and hitting her head against a smaller rock, possibly ending her life or suffering concussion! He jumped up on his feet and with tense muscles, ready to jump, was waiting for Mahtab's cry for help…

- Aren't they sweet? – Christine melted. – Look, the two girls! I think Mahtab found a friend. Finally.

- Why won't that girl scream? – Erik stuttered nervously the only sentence that came to his mind.

- Erik, leave them be…

- I will be right back, my dear.

He slowly and carefully approached them so he could hear what they were talking about. When he got close enough to hear them, but too far for them to see him, he started listening.

- It is really beautiful music. – Mahtab said.

- I told you. I am here every day to listen to it until Mama is working. She then comes and takes me home. It is good you came here, I am not alone.

- And where is your Papa? Can't he be with you?

- No. – Sophie shook her head. – I have no Papa. I never had.

- What has happened to him?

- He moved to the angels as Mama said. He moved up to Heaven when I was a baby.

- I am sorry. – Mahtab patted the girl's shoulder. – I know how you must feel. I would be heartbroken if I lost my Papa. He is like God to me. – She admitted. – I want to be like him.

- What is your Papa doing?

- He does everything. – Mahtab smiled. – He can play any instrument he wants to and he sings beautifully, and he can draw and build machines and houses!

- It sounds awesome. – Sophie sighed dreamily. – What is his name?

- Erik. – Mahtab pronounced this one word with so much love that Erik nearly cried upon hearing it. Oh how much his daughter adores him…

- My Papa's name was Jean – Luc. And my Mama's name is Yvette. I never had anyone but her.

- Aren't you bored here alone?

- Sometimes I am. – Sophie admitted.

- Do you go to school?

- No. – She said with much sadness in her voice.

- Me neither. – Mahtab said. – But Papa taught me to read and write and count.

- It is good for you but I can never learn how to write or read. – Sophie's voice sounded rather hopeless.

- Why? – Mahtab asked with surprise. – Everyone learns to write.

- I can't see the letters. – Sophie said. – I don't know what they look like.

Erik gasped in horror upon hearing the tiny girl's confession. So that's why she isn't bothered by Mahtab's missing lips and sunken eyes- she can't see the child's unusual look. Sophie is blind. That's why she can't go to school with other kids- she is disabled, just like Mahtab. Oh dear… He did not want to bother the girls. He had heard enough. He knew that Sophie won't hurt Mahtab.

When he briefly told Christine about the news, he saw that his wife's heart broke by hearing it. She lowered her head and muttered "The poor sweet thing" in front of her. Erik, even though he felt sorry for the small thing, he felt a bit of relief about Mahtab and her, this way she will be able to be friends with Mahtab hopefully. No repulsed or scared looks towards his daughter, as the girl can't see the difference. Mahtab is just a normal child to her. It is an incredibly sad thing that the only way his daughter can make a friend is if the other child is physically handicapped as well, but at least she will have ONE friend. He will have to explain her how to treat and help a blind person. This will be a talk between them.

- How do you know that?

- How do I know what? - Erik asked back with confusion.

- How to treat a blind person.

- Oh, did I think out loud again? – He laughed.

- Yes. I mean, I know you have to guide a blind person, but I am not exactly sure how and what they need help with. Did you have a friend who was blind too?

- No. – He shook his head. – I never had any other friend than the Daroga. Well… I know it from experience.

- But you… only have glasses… God, did your eyesight get worse? – She leaned closer, trying to examine Erik's eyes closer, it being a hard thing to do so, as they were hard to see at daylight.

- Don't be silly, Christine, how could I drive if I was blind? Not now. – He added. – Once in my youth, I had a nasty eye infection that caused me to see nothing but blur and some outlines or shapes. I was terrified my eyesight was gone forever, but it finally got better in some weeks. Those weeks were like Hell, and I learned how to live if you see nothing but light and shadows.

- Poor Erik.

- Don't feel sorry for me years after. – He laughed shortly.

- You have been through so many things. And I don't even know half of it.

- I think it is better this way. – Erik stated. – If you did, you would cry all day.

In a few minutes, they had to face that Mahtab was guiding Sophie towards them, just as she actually KNEW about how to treat Sophie. They were surprised to see that she wasn't rushing as she would otherwise do, and she carefully hugged her new friend's arm.

- God… does she know…? – Christine looked at Erik with disbelief.

How can such a small child know about the proper way to take care of a disabled or ill person? Christine just remembered back about how gentle Mahtab was with Erik after the rheumatic fever. She was a toddler and yet she still understood that Papa wasn't feeling well. Can it be that the child somehow senses other people's problems?

- Mama, Papa, Noel, I introduce Sophie. She is my best friend. – She showed her around proudly.

- I am so glad to meet you, Sophie. – Christine did not know whether to shake the girl's hand or not, but the little one took a few steps closer to her, so she kindly stroke her shoulder. – I am Christine, Mahtab's mother.

- I bid you a good day, child. – Erik knelt down to the girl, but did not touch her, being afraid his cold touch would freak her out. – I am Erik.

- Monsieur… - Sophie gasped then smiled warmly at his direction. – You sound so nicely.

- Thank you. – Erik turned away a bit, clearing his throat. – You may call me Erik. – He added nervously.

- Mahtab said you can play music. – She started a bit hesitantly. – Would you… please…? – She turned her head away in embarrassment, as she was afraid she was going to be slapped. Erik felt sorry for the poor little girl as she reminded him of younger himself. He was afraid to ask people anything too.

If it was anyone else he did not know, he would have said no to that request, but he had no heart to deny it from this child. And deep in his soul he was thankful to Sophie that she did not pull away from Mahtab and wanted to spend time with her. He, for these reasons, agreed to play.

- I have a harmonica with me right now, in my pocket. Do you have any request? – He asked kindly.

- I don't know too much music. – She admitted. – Please play something, I will be happy.

- Papa, please play Turkish March by Mozart!

- All right. – Erik took the harmonica out of his pocket and started playing the sonata movement that was challenging enough on piano as well, let alone on a harmonica. But he nailed it perfectly.

The children were clapping happily as Erik finished playing and Sophie stated she haven't heard more beautiful music before. The Persian, Raoul and Flo returned from their wanderings as well, and arrived to the small group when Erik was playing Eine Kleine Nachtmusik for the audience. After the applause from each sides, they could hear a soft female voice from the left:

- Sophie dear, don't bother the people, please. Come here.

As they turned to the voice's direction, they noticed a short, red haired pale woman standing not far from them.

- I am coming, Mama. – Sophie nodded obediently and walked to the voice without any help. Mahtab wanted to guide her there, but Erik caught her hand and showed her to wait. Sophie walked to her mother and caught the edge of her skirt, ready to leave. – I have to go. Bye. – She added, almost crying.

- I have to apologize. – The woman said quietly. – She is… a bit too much excited when others come here.

- Madame. – Erik walked closer, holding Mahtab's hand. – The child did not bother us at all. She made friends with my daughter… - He gestured towards Mahtab and hoped the woman won't look for too long time.

- Friends? – She asked with astonishment.

- Yes. – Erik nodded. – If you would… allow Sophie to play with my girl… it would be…

- Oh if someone wanted my Sophie to play with them…

- We do like her company. – Christine smiled. – Please don't worry about her bothering us. She doesn't.

Silence came. The woman obviously noticed Mahtab's deformity, but she did not scream. She knelt down to the child and examined her a bit, with a mixture of understanding and pity in her eyes.

- Do you like Sophie? – She asked finally.

- I do, a lot. – Mahtab nodded, and hugged Sophie to prove her words.

- Mama please allow me to play with her. – Sophie begged.

- But of course. – The woman's eyes filled up with tears and she smiled at the same time. – Thank you. – She added softly. She pushed the girl gently, and smiled. – Go to play, dear.

As the mother looked at the children playing in the sand, she walked closer to the group and hesitantly started talking.

- I thank you for… not minding my daughter.

- I thank you the same. – Erik nodded seriously.

- My name is Yvette Berger. – She introduced herself.

- Erik Spöke. And this is my wife, Christine, and our children: Mahtab, Florian and Noel. And here are my friends. – He gestured towards Raoul and the Persian.

- Mohammed- Ismael Khan, at your service, Madame. – The Persian bowed.

- And my name is… Raoul de Chagny, Madame. And I am very pleased to meet you. – Raoul gently took Yvette's hand and kissed it quickly, but modestly.

- I am pleased to meet you as well, Monsieur. – She gave a faint smile while wondered about the weird but kind bunch of people. Here is a very skinny, kind of old, but otherwise kind of handsome man, a beautiful young lady with two young boys and a daughter with some kind of facial deformity, a black man and a handsome young man with a prosthetic hand. Other people would call them a weird group, but clearly they are very kind and understanding about her child's problem and don't send her away, as others do. No other kids want to play with Sophie, as there is "nothing interesting" to play with her. She can't see the ball for ballgames, she can't play tag or hide and seek… she is "boring" and "weird" to other children. To disguise her being touched, she started talking to Raoul about neutral things, like the weather or the children… and he gave so polite yet sad answers. He always wanted a child or two. They both agreed that Christine's boys are so sweet.

- Sophie! – Yvette called out when the sky started turning darker by nightfall. – Come dear, we are going home.

- We are playing, Mama! – She said. – Can't I stay a bit later?

- Aren't you hungry already? – The mother smiled.

- I think not. – She responded, even though it wasn't true.

- Don't worry, Sophie. – Erik smiled. – We are staying here for quite a long time, you will be able to play with Mahtab tomorrow as well, but we have to go too. The boys are sleepy and Mahtab should be in bed soon. Say good night, Mahtab.

- Good night Sophie. See you tomorrow.

- You too. – Sophie smiled and walked to her mother.

- May I accompany you home? – Raoul offered hesitantly. – It is… getting late and…

- Why not? – Yvette asked softly, mostly from herself. – I accept your offer. – She blushed upon the agreement, but she somehow enjoyed the man's company. Being an outsider with a disabled child, and lost her husband six years ago, she didn't have much company, and was happy for the slightest of kindness she received.

Mahtab was over excited by the fact she met a friend. Only one thing gloomed her vacation: having to wear girl's clothing. She was too much used to wearing pants and shirt by now and she felt uncomfortable. And she wanted to prove she was a boy to everyone. She nagged Christine about her not having any normal clothes with them. Christine was just smiling and stating that she will get used to it anyway. When bedtime came and Erik told a story to Mahtab and Flo, and finally he wanted to stand up from Mahtab's bedside to join Christine and Noel in the other room, the child stated she needed to use the bathroom.

- Mahtab, I already asked you to do your business before going to bed. – Erik sighed, pulling the chamber pot out from under the bed.

- I will do it standing up. – Mahtab stated proudly.

- No, you won't. – Erik shook his head, and pressed the girl's shoulders to force her into a sitting position.

- But Flo can do it standing up. Why I am not allowed to?

- Because you are a girl.

- I am not! – She argued.

- Yes you are.

- I am like you, Mama said so too.

- In a way. – Erik nodded. – But not every way.

- Papa, why am I a girl? Make me a boy. Please, I want to be a boy. I don't like to pee sitting down and wear those clothes Mama forces on me. And I wish to be a brave and smar man like you when I grow up.

- You were born a girl, dear. It is nothing I can change.

- The Angel of Music and God can make both boys and girls and you said you get a child if you ask for them. Did you ask for me to be a girl?

- I just asked for a child. God decides if you will be a boy or a girl. If you are lucky enough, you get what you hope.

- Did you want a boy or girl more?

- It doesn't matter to me, Mahtab. I love you all, no matter your genders. I would love Flo as well if he turn to be your sister by chance.

- If it is all the same to you, can we change gender with Flo?

- Mahtab it doesn't work that way.

- Papa…?

- Mahtab are you finished? It is late.

- I want to ask something.

- But then you sleep.

- I will. But did you ask God for me to be like you regarding my face? So you won't be alone with it?

Erik looked at the child with a bit of pain in his look, but he had to compose himself enough to answer properly. He can't hurt a child by telling the awful truth. Mahtab should never find out his first intent was to suffocate her to death after he saw her face. He forced a smile on his face and looked her in the eye.

- No. I guess I was just lucky enough to get you, Mahtab.

- Then why do you call yourself a monster sometimes? Am I a monster too, as they called me?

- No. – Erik shook his head firmly.- People used to call me a monster dear, and I got stuck with the idea. But you must never ever think yourself a monster.

- If you could ask God to give you another child instead of me who looks like Flo and Noel, would you?

- Not for all treasures of the world I would trade you. – Erik was surprised to find out how much he means every word of it, despite Mahtab's appearance. Not to give away his state of mind, he decided to get back into the strict father's role and asked: - Mahtab, are you finished finally?

- Well…- She shrugged. – I guess I don't have to go any more.

- Mahtab… - He sighed, shaking his head, then pointing at the bed.

- Good night Papa. – She smiled. – I love you.

- Good night, Mahtab. – He kissed her forehead. – I love you too. No matter what sweetie. And always will.

When Erik arrived to the next room to Christine, Noel was already sleeping peacefully. Christine was stroking his still pale- ish face with her thumb, softly humming a French lullaby to him. Erik stood behind her, and gently stroke the child's light blonde, nearly white hair. Mahtab had a much darker blonde hair, Flo was dark – haired as Erik, but Noel inherited the exact Nordic genetics. Pale skin, light blonde hair and light blue eyes. As they were looking at their small boy, Christine turned to Erik.

- Was it hard to put them to bed?

- Not really. Mahtab wanted some talk.

- About what?

- About her being utterly displeased by the fact she was born a female and can't relieve herself as males do. But I guess the bigger problem is just the fact you don't let her wear her pants.

- Aren't you worried about this, Erik?

- To be honest, I worry about everything that is about her. But honestly, what can I do about it? I try my best to be a good father to a child who isn't ordinary at all. I hope things will be easier with Flo and Noel.

- I am worried about Noel as well. – Christine sat down on the edge of the bed next to Erik who was occupied by removing his shoes.

- Why? – Erik sighed, laying across the bed, not really wishing to move the proper way. He got tired.

- He doesn't want to talk.

- He is not even two. – Erik said. – By the time he gets three years old and he STILL does not talk, you may start to worry.

- But I am happy about Mahtab finding a friend. And not even the little girl's mother was hostile towards Mahtab, and yet she saw her face. See, Erik, I told you that you were overprotective.

- Christine. – Erik sighed deeply. – She wasn't hostile only because she understands what we are going through with a disabled child. She is the same way.

- At least people don't beat blind people up.

- But they rob them. – Erik stated ominously.

- Oh Erik, no….

- Yes they do, my dear, I know it.

- No one can be so mean to rob a blind person.

- It must be good up there in the clouds, Christine, as you keep staying there all the time.

- Have you ever seen such a thing?

- Yes. – He stated simply. – A vagabond did not only steal the money from in front of a blind beggar on the street of Paris, but the whole damned hat as well.

- God! And what happened?

- You know I don't really care about other people, but that was too much of a disgusting thing. Even I couldn't stomach that act, so I just tried to explain him it wasn't the right way to behave. He did not listen, so he accidentally ran into my bony fist with his potato nose.

- Did you start a fight for a stranger? – She smiled.

- Not fight, it was just a beating up until the point he hit back. And not for a stranger, but for a poor helpless creature.

- Did you get injured?

- No. – He shook his head. -His nasal bone broke.

- My hero… - Christine caressed Erik's skull- face and lay down next to him, not even minding that she does not have a pillow under her head. They were laying near the footboard on the bed, across it, Erik's feet touching the floor. Christine curled up next to him in fetal position and put her head on his chest. Erik hugged her shoulder and let out a content sigh. He did not even protest about being called a hero, even though he did not consider himself that the least.

It was such a peaceful night with love in their heart for each other. Maybe this vacation idea isn't even that far-fetched as he first imagined?

Erik finally found out how to spend time. He just realized he could go fishing and catch dinner for themselves if he was lucky enough- and well, it was a good excuse for sitting on a cliff alone, not being bothered by anyone. "You will scare the fish away if you come with me and talk all the time." He needed some time alone, to think and relax. Finally he found out how to relax, which was a hard thing to do with 3 children around him. As he was fishing, finally there were no children constantly nagging him to play, sing, and entertain them or to feed them or take care of their needs in any way. Of course, he adored his children, but constantly playing with them was slowly wearing him out, without him even noticing it. He needed to recharge. How pleasant it was to sit all alone, and yet still knowing he had a loving family and did not have to return to an empty home, alone as a stray dog. Christine understood that Erik wanted some time to himself without the children, and she was happy Erik found a hobby for himself, and she did not spend too much time with her children in Paris, while working at the Opera. It was a nice change to be with them all day. She hardly ever seen Mahtab since the girl met Sophie, and Raoul was talking to Mme Berger when she was around, so Christine was playing with the boys and the Daroga was just contentedly smiling at all of the happenings and throwing sticks for Shadow to fetch. A so much idyllic vacation for everyone.

As Erik was trying to get something for dinner, but he wouldn't mind if he gets nothing at all, looking to the side, he realized he wasn't already alone. A white- orange male cat was sitting next to him, sometimes licking its mouth. Erik smiled at it, as he liked cats. He was more of a cat person than a dog person, even in his childhood, he thought himself resembling a cat in personality.

- Bonjour, Monsieur. – He greeted the newcomer and nodded. – Did you have better luck than Erik?

The feline just licked its mouth again, glancing at the one small fish Erik succeeded in catching since morning.

- Do you wish to have it? – He asked. – Well, it wouldn't be enough for so many people anyway. Here, Monsieur, have a nice meal.

He threw the fish to the cat, who started eating it. Erik smiled as he was watching it. What a nice little animal. He, after a few minutes, caressed the animal, as he walked closer to Erik. The cat seemed to be very friendly, he purred as the man stroke his fur.

- Do you have a home? – Erik asked with a sudden compassion. – Do you wish to have one? You know, I love cats… I always have loved them. If you chose to stay with me, I give you a home.

It was unsure if the cat understood Erik's offer or not, but one thing was sure: he returned with a bearable amount of prey and a feline companion in the evening. Christine melted when she saw the cat, and asked Erik if they may keep him.

- I want him. – Erik stated.

- That is awesome, and did you find a name for him yet?

- I kept calling him Monsieur LeChat the whole day. I guess he likes it as he did not protest.

- Oh Erik, he should have a given name as well, no? This is so distant.

- You may chose him a name if you wish to, I am going to address him as Monsieur LeChat in the future as well.

- We name him Jean- Pierre. – Flo chirped.

- What a nice idea! – Christine clapped as the cat slowly sniffed the young boy, who instantly started petting him.

Jean- Pierre LeChat became a family member as well in the Spöke family. Erik was talking to him like he was a nobleman, calling him "Monsieur LeChat" and addressing him as "vous", which was the formal way of calling someone in French. The dog was addressed as "tu" as one would call a child or someone less of an authority, but the cat had to be called "vous".

- A lion is the king of animals. – Erik explained when Christine asked him about this.

- But it is a cat, Erik.

- A cat is a lion's nephew. – Erik laughed shortly. – You have to respect such a noble creature.

The children loved the new family member and they were careful with him. Erik taught them not to hit or pull its tail, and how to treat the cat gently, and if they do so, it will be nice to them as well. Shadow and Monsieur LeChat became friends, unlike most cats and dogs, and they often spotted the cat sleeping on Shadow's back, curled up.

It seemed to be a pleasant vacation for everyone – finding new friends and having well deserved rest.