I wasn't as prepared as I hoped when I fell on my knees rather then on my feet and rammed my right temple on the side of a stone wall. Blurs of light from the concoction circled in front of my eyes. When they left they revealed nothing but darkness.

I nearly screamed as the cold water met my skin. The water reeked of death. The rising aroma filled the air and mocked my very existence. I could feel a pavement. The water was only a small puddle. My dress had absorbed most of the water.

I couldn't see a thing, but I didn't care. I continued forward slowly waving my arms in front of me to keep myself from running into any objects. My head was spinning even more. It burned now with pain. I grabbed the side of my head with one hand, but continued walking. My dress became heavier and heavier to the point that I nearly collapsed. I unbuttoned it and left it behind me. I felt relieved as the dead weight was lifted from me. I was now in only underwear but I felt no shame.

The water became deeper with each step. I now had to take a dozen turns were the pavement in front of my hands curved. I prayed that the water wouldn't go much deeper. It was now past my knees. With each step my hopelessness intensified. There was no going back now. This would be my grave. Time slowed down as my foot collided with an obstacle. I fell face forward and my nose broke my fall. A stomach-turning crack came from my nose. I screamed as a tingling sensation ran through my face. I had fallen on a stairway. I helplessly pushed myself to the top and rocked back and forth hugging my knees trying to focus on something other then the pain. I could no longer bind the tears within. I was without a home, without a man to love, and now I had brought myself to my own grave. I had believed that I had no fear left, but I was wrong. I looked around the darkness for any sign of light. I felt as if I was trapped inside a small cage.

I could no longer ignore my thirst. I hadn't had anything to drink in days. I pushed myself down the steps and cupped some of the water in my hands. I knew that it was probably filthy. I could feel the tiny grains of dirt and ash floating around in my hand. Regardless, I hastily gulped down the vile liquid. I tried to ignore the taste as it slid down my dry throat. It tasted like mud. I cupped my hands and drank more. After a few handfuls I was still unsatisfied so I buried my face in the water gulping down as much as I could. I would rather die of poisoning from this lake then die of starvation. After I had nearly made myself sick I leaned back on the cold stone floor. I hugged my arms and slid my hands up and down to try and provide myself warmth. My whole body was damp. I whimpered softly as I began to shiver. I could feel my nose throbbing rapidly. I cried out in pain. My stomach felt as if it was shrinking within. I bit my lip as it fiercely rumbled sending a wave of emotions and pain through my broken body.

Slowly Denise! Move your hips slowly! Don't attack your partner dance with him!

I gazed back at Gian. His eyes asked me permission to touch me the way Madame Giry had instructed. I nodded. My cheeks flushed a dark shade of red as he softly placed one hand on my hip and the below my armpit. I closed my eyes and twirled my hands rhythmically as he traced the line of my dress. I bit my lip wondering if I was supposed to be comfortable with the position. We both did as we were told until all wondering eyes had left us. Well at least eyes that could be seen.

When everyone had left the room I asked him, "Can we practice for a little while longer?" I wanted to be in his arms again.

We started in our correct positions. I tried to appear strictly professional not allowing my mouth to drop or eyes meet his. I wanted him to believe I had no interest in him whatsoever. As he twirled me around and held me from behind around the waist he nearly lost his constrictive attitude and dug his face in my hair taking a whiff of my scent. I grabbed his hand before he could move it.

"Don't let go," I begged him softly.

I awoke with a sneeze.It took me a few moments to contemplate that what had happened was only a dream. I was still in the dark with nothing but underwear on. I tried to sit up. My head became heavier and heavier. It felt as if it would roll off my shoulders. My whole body tingled when I touched anything. It felt as if a brick was tied to my forehead. My throat was unbelievably sore.

"I have a fever," I realized. I squeezed my stomach as another violent volcano within erupted. I couldn't feel anything other then pain. Dots of light began to cover my eyes once more. My senses abandoned me as I slipped away from the world.