I awoke with a start to find myself lying on the keys of the organ. I had fallen asleep on it while trying to work the night before. I didn't know what had moved me to play it. I was not inspired to compose for my opera. I had just been playing for pleasure, I suppose, when sleep finally came. It was also unusual because I normally do not sleep. All in all it had been a very unusual night.

Then, I heard it. My sensitive hearing had picked up the familiar cry. I rushed out of the house. Christine's cry echoed through the twists and turns. With an almost sort of hesitance I got in a boat and poled my way to her.

She was there waiting. She was a sickly white and she was wringing her hands. The cloak she was wearing was draped about her shoulders. I was curious as to what business was so urgent to bring her to me in such a careless hurry. I was somewhat upset. Christine's appearance upset my plans. I was somewhat snappish with her when I pulled the boat up.

"What were you thinking, you foolish girl, to come down here with your cloak not properly on? You know how cold it can get down here, yet you insist on standing down here for minutes on end with your cloak practically hanging off your shoulders."

"I know it was foolish Erik, but I had no choice. The situation which brought me here was of such importance, and needed such urgency I did not stop to think about myself. I am fine as you can see. Now am I to get in the boat or not?" She talked to me with such authoritative command, all I could do was gesture helplessly. She got in and sat. I shoved off and poled silently towards the entrance to the house. I offered her my hand to help her get out, but she ignored it and got out quickly and gracefully herself. I opened the door for her, and we went inside. She walked in and sat down as if it were her home and not mine. I was beginning to get angry.

"All right," I said through clenched teeth. "Now that you are here and have made yourself at home what is this problem you have spoken of? I'm warning you Christine if it is something frivolous.."

"Oh stop it!" she said, and began to cry. "Do you know how hard it is for me to even come down here? I know you're mad at me, and I even know that it's possible you want to kill me. If you do, please listen to me first. Please help me Erik, you are my only hope." (A/N: Star Wars fans? LOL, just thought I'd add that in! Anyway back to the story.) I was taken aback at this violent outburst and just sat there, nodding dumbly. Christine took a moment to calm herself, and began her story.