Chapter 3:
And so they went.
Past the elephant, through the courtyard, to a small garden set off to the side, away from what used to be the lights and excitement of the theatre. A small pile of earth, hidden among the flowers and vines, rested with a diamond crown on top. Christian couldn't take his eyes away from the jewels. He remembered it so well. So well.
"Marie...." he started, but he could not find the words to continue. His eyes filled up and spilled over as he dropped to the ground on his knees. He let out a sound that nearly caused Marie to fall to her knees as well. His body fell forward and he grasped at the earth around her small grave.
"Satine!" he cried into the earth. "Satine..." He suddenly realized his composure and swallowed his tears. He slowly backed away from the grave and stood. "I should go, Marie," he said slowly, without ever turning his eyes away from the grave.
"Yes," she agreed softly. "It was good to see you."
He turned and took a step away but was stopped by Marie's small hand on his shoulder as she whispered into his ear: "Wait, Christian. Wait in your room until sunset."
And before he could even consider her words, she was gone.