The following days went by very peacefully. Morning light, once more, announced a new day. A strange warm breeze invaded the atmosphere, signalling that February was coming near and with it the spring season. His eyes opened slowly, gradually getting used to the light. Living in darkness for so long had made him quite sensitive to light. He got out of bed, his shirt creased and opened and dishevelled hair. Afterwards, as if it were a reflex action, he put his mask into place.
This time he had woken up later than usual. Once he managed to stand barefoot on the cold floor of the house, he walked towards the living-room. There was a beautiful scarf on the table. Sober and black. He came closer so that he could examine it better. The only distinctive mark was the embroidered 'E' which revealed the name of its owner. Ah, he still remembered that he had found her knitting it a couple of days before. Erik was surprised by Angie's attitude. Clearly, she had tried to kiss him… that gesture could only have two reasonable explanations: one, it meant that his plans were going smoothly, or the girl was going through what one might call teenage love and was trying to show gratitude to him. Perhaps she felt thankful that he had not been harsh with her after she had discovered all those objects he would have never wanted anyone to see. In any case, how dared she kiss him? The only person who had ventured to do so had been Christine… The memory of her kiss still burned so deeply that made him shut his eyes in pain, as he clutched the scarf furiously.
He glanced at it. It was truly beautiful and looked comfortable. But he could not waste any more time. He had completely forgotten he had more important matters to attend to that day. Without delay, he came again into his bedroom.
The evening was clear and the park shone in all its splendour. The trees were all stripped off their leaves because of the winter and the wind, which was now shaking them and blowing the dried leaves throughout the park. One would have been able to breathe in the tranquillity and listen to the voice of silence.
She closed he reyes. Her sweet face not hiding the delight she was taking in that precious moment of peace. A moment which brought so many memories at the same time. Memories of her days at the opera, of ballet lessons, performances and Christine. God, it had been months since they had last seen each other. And there was the fact that her mother and her had read the tragic news of the death of the Viscount, the husband of her best friend, which did nothing to improve the situation. One side of her wanted to get out and go looking for her, just to make sure that she was alright. However, they were living the hardest of times, so it really was not too wise trying to do anything so rash.
She continued her promenade, enjoying the marvellous sight that Nature was offering her that evening. That was when she saw…Him. Yes, he was far away from her and clearly tried to conceal his presence in the shade provided by the trees. She was completely sure of who he was even though she had barely had time to see him properly. It was something in his graceful gait, in his clothing…He was still alive. Her eyes went wide in alarm. Shoud she tell her mother? Was Christine in danger being him…alive?
Meg stood up and left the bench she had been sitting on in complete silence. Quickly, before he could catch a single glance of her, she retired.