1907 December 31

We have managed (or at least I have) to secure a nice mansion near the heart of the city, but not too close to the nosey populace. Poor Angelique. She knows barely a word of English. I wish I thought of this before. But, alas, I fear my tendency for hastiness has not truly prepared me for a life with a child,

I shall have to hire a tutor for Angelique in English. I know a few of English, mostly from my travels and from the operas and other books of the library of the Opera de Paris,

Since I have brought much of my wealth with me, I owe not a thing for the house. I've managed to increase my wealth after only a few mishaps, by investing in new ventures.

It's not like I need more money, but I have learned at least one lesson in my travels, and that is to always have extra in case of emergency.

2018 December 28

What should I wear? There is to be a masked ball (ha! Would I ever need a mask?) on New Year's Eve. Shall I invite myself to this grand party?

Should I wear a mask? Or go as myself as Death, with the perfect mask—none at all! Or should I save that for Halloween? I should wear a mask, but what kind? What one? I know I have a multitude of masks available to me, but I must decide on a single one.

--- Angelique

1908 April 28

How much longer can the ruse go on with my Angel? I think she may be starting to get suspicious. "Papa, why can I not go outside like other people? It looks so, so pleasant outside!"

I can hardly deny her anything at all, least of all something she says in that melodic voice of hers.

"Papa, why?"

I have to think it over for a bit.

"I am sorry, ma Cherrie, I am, truly sorry. But I don't want you to be jeered at," I confess.

"But why would I be jeered at? Papa, why do you wear a mask?"

How do I broach the subject of her face, her deformity, so very close in resemblance to mine? This godforsaken face, which condemns me to live a life of isolation with my daughter, Angelique. That she be condemned to this lonely life would be an insult!

"Because I do not wish to frighten people, as you know, I am a ghost," I say quietly. I feel guilty about not telling her fate, or rather her predicament. I don't want her to her to face the rejection, the fear, or the hate I had to endure throughout my life.

--- Erik