Ann: I came back to the Inn in a rather depressive mood. My daughter had run off, and I was concerned as to where she had gone. Her argument earlier had made me realize that I was a bit over-protective.

I had a tendency to follow her everywhere, and constantly expect her to do what I told her to do. However, she was growing up, and I couldn't expect her to stay a child forever.

She had to experience things on her own, and I needed to let her go. The only problem was, could I? Could I let go of my only precious child, to let her explore at her own leisure?

I was afraid of what may happen, she was so vulnerable. Yet she was also willful, and stubborn. I knew deep in my heart that she could survive on her own.

Lost within my thoughts I didn't hear the knocking at my door until Meg's voice came through, "Mother, are you in there?" I came away from the window and opened the door.

Meg stepped in quietly and I watched as she looked at me. "Mother, I really didn't mean to make you angry. It's just, that I'd like to choose for myself what I want to do."

I replied, "I let you do what you wanted in Italy." She shook her head, "So why is this any different?" I sighed. How could I explain that Switzerland was an entirely different country?

In Italy they had civilization, culture, respect, and policemen to watch over the population. Here in Switzerland it was pure country, with an over-populated diversity of people who would do anything to get by.

"Meg. I just don't want to see you get hurt. I know you'll want to visit the ski lodges, and go hiking, and other such stuff. I'm worried." She replied, "I'll be with Erik." That was no consolation.

I honestly did not want to send her away with him. I had seen how she looked at him, her eyes glowing. I believe it was only the second time she'd had a crush on anyone, and Erik was not the type to developed a relationship with. For one, his heart belonged to another, and second, he was nearly my age; old enough to be Meg's father!

I asked her, "Don't you want to get a massage, and a small facial? How about a new dress? I mean, how much fun could you possibly have running about in some wilderness?" Meg's eyes lit up and I knew there was no possible way I could get her to come with me.

"Mother, I know Slovenia was no fun for you, but I enjoyed it. I love being outside, with the sky and the trees, and no amount of civilization anywhere. It's exciting." I found having no civilization around to be rather frightening.

"What if something happens. Who will help you two?" She bit her lip and I knew she was pouting. "Please?" I shook my head. "Answer my question."

Meg looked down and said, "If anything happens to either me or Erik, or us both, I'll make sure to get a message across." That was not an actual answer, and I knew she was skirting the issue.

I fidgeted, and looked at her. "Megan, you take care of yourself. Don't do anything irresponsible or foolish." She smiled at me and said rather excitedly, "Thank You."

Suddenly Meg ran to me and hugged me, and I hugged her back. I was letting go, for an entire week I would not see her or be able to watch her. It frightened me, and I held her tight.

When we let go I told her, "I love you. Please be careful." Meg nodded, "I love you too." She bounded out of the room, and I knew she was going to tell Erik. Whatever happened during this week was going to happen, whether I was there or not.

It was hard to deny that a true friendship had developed between Meg and Erik.

Erik: After we had returned from our walk Meg went to talk to her mother. I quietly entered my room and began looking at my maps. I planned to take Meg hiking through Treves Glade, up to the crest of Mount. Fav'lre.

There they had a small ski lodge where guides would take tourists up to the peak, and then send them sailing back down. It sounded quite exciting. As for Ann her route would take her thirty miles to the north, where the Preve Gstaad Center was located.

It was a luxury resort and spa, with quite a hefty bill. I began to wonder just how much of my money we had left. I was by no means poor, but neither was I exceedingly rich. I certainly wasn't as rich as a Vicompte.

Immediately I spit out the image of Christine and Raoul in my mind and focused on the map. I saw an interesting river two miles behind the Glade, but certainly I wasn't going to check it out.

Suddenly the door burst open and I jumped up with my Punjab Lasso ready. Meg stopped short of the threshold and I glared at her. "Never enter my domain unannounced." I put the weapon away and she came over to me.

"Mother said I could go. She's worried of course, but she'll be going her own way tomorrow and we can go our way." She looked at the map on the floor and pointed. "What's this?" I had circled the spot where the ski lodge was.

I handed her the paper that explained everything, and she squealed. "Quiet." I went over and closed the door. Meg was excited and rather giddy as she asked me, "You're really going to let me do this? What about Mother?"

I looked at her. "Didn't you just say she was going to allow it?" I realized that Ann had not given permission to go skiing, only to stay with me during the week. In my mind, if Ann was allowing her daughter to stay with me, then that gave me full permission to let the child do whatever she may want.

I sat beside Meg on the floor and folded the map. "You should pack lightly. We'll need to purchase some ski equipment and clothing tomorrow." Meg asked me, "How long will it take us to get there?"

I replied, "Only two days. We travel straight through Treves Glade; following the trail mind you, no going off to explore; and when we reach the lodge, a day of skiing, and then two days to get back." Meg was smiling and I had to chuckle. "You haven't been this excited since we left France." I said.

She nodded, "I've never done this before. I mean in Italy it was all "Looking at buildings and visiting museums," But here, and in Slovenia, it's been exploration, wilderness. I almost feel like Mary Kinglsey."

I agreed. "Or Lewis and Clark." Meg looked at me. "Who?" I looked back and replied, "American explorers. They traversed the entire country from east to west." She smiled and replied, "Then I'm Lewis and you're Clark." I finally smiled in almost three years as I said, "They were both men Meg."

She laughed and told me, "I have never seen you smile. You look nice when you smile." I glanced down as I nodded. "Life hasn't given me much to smile about." Meg asked me seriously, "Erik, are you happy doing this? Traveling with my mother and I?"

I didn't really know how I felt. I was indeed happier to get out of the Opera and into the fresh air. I enjoyed the traveling, I had certainly loved Italy, and indeed I was a bit more optimistic than before.

Being with Ann and Meg gave me a sense of security. They were there when I needed them, the only real friends I had ever known. I told Meg, "Your mother and yourself are the most compassionate, caring individuals I've met. Honestly, I don't think I could have come this far without someone beside me. I am most grateful for your companionship."

Meg said, "If it weren't for you I'd be stuck in France with my mother, penniless and homeless. But of course, if it weren't for you the Paris Opera would not have burned down and I could be working."

I felt ashamed that she would bring that up, and I told her. "I can't explain my behavior. I know what I've done is wrong, but I'm trying to heal. I'm trying to rectify my past mistakes, and lead a better life." I admitted to her my true feelings, of shame and anger at what I had done with my life.

I wanted to become better than what I had been, and to leave the pain and fear behind. I knew that I could never lead a normal life, but at least I could lead one without murder or danger.

Slowly Meg came over to me, and I wondered what on earth she was doing. We were both sitting on the floor, and she reached out with her hand to touch my shoulder. I looked at her hand, so warm and alive against me.

"Erik, I know you can't change the past, but you can direct the future. Direct your future towards something good. You have so much to teach, and even more to learn."

Gently I reached up and held her hand in mine, so much smaller and more pale than Christine's. I noticed that while Christine had kept her nails trim and neat, Meg's were torn and cracked.

I held her hand and we looked at each other for a moment, and I reached down to tenderly place a kiss on her hand. For most French gentlemen this small act was nothing, a mere greeting or sign of affection, but for me it meant so much more.

It meant that Meg wasn't afraid of me, that she trusted me with her hand. It meant that she cared.

I felt a shiver through my body as I let go of her hand, and she smiled. I whispered, "Go to bed, pack your things. I will meet you at eight a.m. early, and we shall send your mother off."

She nodded as she stood, and I remained on the floor. After she left I continued to sit on the floor, my mind a complete blank.

Finally I packed my things, and went to bed.