I could have lived forever with the way things were at the house on the lake. Cedric had somehow completed my existence, somehow tied everything together, making my strange group of companions seem like a family. The house was full of laughter and cooking and music. Nadir and Madame Giry were the happiest I'd ever seen them, in their sort of grandparent roles. Christine and I grew close again, and although we did not share a bed or kiss on the mouth, I felt more and more like she was my wife with each passing day.

Christmas time was an experience like no other. For the first time in my life, I had a family to share it with, and I worked night and day creating them the perfect gifts. I was beginning to grow quite soft, to be honest, and I found that from the holidays on, I laughed much more often then I cried, and spent more time in the downstairs quarters than I did cooped up in my sleeping chamber.

I should have been weary, I should have known that the past was doomed to repeat itself, and I would once again have to face the consequences of allowing myself to become attached to others. I should have seen the patterns and known that once again, the only comfort I had would be ripped way from me. But for several years I did not once worry or question what I had been blessed with, and perhaps, I did not truly appreciate it until the day I found out I must say good bye.

Cedric was now almost six years old, and didn't usually throw tantrums like he once did. That was why, one morning as I was just beginning to wake, I was somewhat concerned when I heard his teary protests being shouted from downstairs. I slipped into my bathrobe and hurried down the stairs, barefooted, not bothering to grab my mask.

Madame Giry, Nadir, Christine and Cedric were all sitting in the living room. Or rather, Cedric was at his feet, his face red from yelling and streaked with tears. His dark hair looked tousled and his small body was shaking. As I am very light on my feet, his blindness prevented him from knowing I was in the room. The others all looked up at me, and I was startled to see that the two women looked as if they were trying not to cry as well.

Cedric had apparently hadn't given up on yelling yet. With his next sentences, the cause of whole scene suddenly came into my focus.

"I don't want a father! I already have one! I don't want one! I have Erik!"

With this final shout, his fists fell to his side and his head drooped. I felt my face drain of color.

"What has happened?"

Hearing my voice, he ran towards the sound, stumbled, and hugged my leg. Christine buried her face in her hands.

"I don't know what to do? What can I do?"

Madame Giry sighed, and handed me a letter that was lying on the coffee table.

I read it nervously, trying to stay calm

Dearest Christine,

I sent this to Monsieur Bastian, the gentlemen who I had come check on you the night I left. I trusted he'd know where to find you. I hope you get this soon enough.

Where do I begin? There is so much I want to say to you, so much I'm afraid you won't want to hear. Most importantly, I must tell you some terrible and yet fortunate news; I have been injured, badly, in battle. The doctor believes that I may be able to walk again, but nothing is for sure. The fortunate part is that I am coming home now.

Christine, I have done so much thinking while I've been in this war, and I think that I have made the most terrible mistake of my life. I know that I should have been more understanding about everything that happened; and I know it isn't your fault, that Erik has some kind of hypnotic power over you; I've seen it happen time and again. What I'm trying to say, my darling, is that I just could annul our marriage. I love you far too much, Little Lotte, and I want to try again, now that I am coming home, and the Phantom is out of our lives for good. I want to try to start where we left off.

I've afraid of what you will say to this. But I needed to take the risk. By the time you receive this letter, I will most likely almost be home. If you love me still, return to our home and greet me. I swear to you, you will not regret it. This time will be perfect, my love.

Your husband,

Raoul

I looked up at Christine when I finished.

"You have to tell him about the child. No matter what you decide, he has the right to know."

"But Erik, then you'll never see him again."

I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Let me think this through."

I then turned to my friends on the other couch.

"No matter what happens here, one thing is certain. I must flee France before the Vicomte returns. No doubt he will not rest unless he knows I am behind bars."

"We're coming with you," Nadir said, getting to his feet. Madame Giry nodded.

"I'm coming too!" shouted Cedric, and I remembered that he was still hugging my legs.

I bent down beside him and took him in my arms. He cried into my shoulder.

"You can't go…I don't want him for a father. You can't go."

I began to cry as well, but tried my best to hide it in my voice.

"Don't you worry, mon enfant doué … I'll think of something. I always think of something..."