The Man in the Mask

Paris, France 1885

A dark figure walked silently through the remains of the Opera Populaire. After the incident, all that was left of the majestic building was the burnt, ash covered stage, and a small ash-covered section of the house area. All of the chairs in the house were burned and some were even crushed. The figure looked sadly at the charred remains, but kept walking along. The figure made its way to the stage and stepped into the light. What was revealed was a man dressed in black with a white mask covering his face.
Once he stepped into the light, he stared sadly at Box Five remembering all of the beautiful performances he had seen of his beloved Angel of Music. From the folds of his cloak he took out a red rose with a black ribbon tied to the center. He had given many roses such as this one to his Angel, but this was special. Along with the ribbon he had tied a beautiful sapphire ring. This was the most precious thing he owned; and in a soft, sad tone he began to sing,

You alone can make my song take flight...
Christine...I love you...

The man then began to sob quietly behind the mask. He whispered,

"Christine, you do not know how much I love you...you do not know how much pain you have caused the Angel of Music...no...I am not an angel...I am and forever will be, Erik...who is to be alone...forever..."
Erik held the precious rose to his heart and continued his walk around the remains. He walked behind the torn, ash covered curtain until he reached a small flight of black, curling stairs. He slowly climbed the stairs and when he reached the top he paused.

"Why must I always relive my memories?" he thought.

He stayed rooted to the spot for another ten minutes and he decided to continue. When he reached the door to the roof, he opened it and stepped into the cool air and snow. He looked out at the city he loved, but which he also bitterly despised. He lifted the young bloom slowly and tenderly to his face.

"Christine..." he whispered her name so tenderly...it made the heart ache. His eyes slowly traveled to the ring. He looked at it with sadness and love as his eyes filled with tears, and as they began to fall beneath his mask...Erik felt so alone...