Christian stood holding the gun. He had gotten the gun a month after Satine had died, when theft was common around the village. He pointed the gun at the Duke.

"Get your hands off her!" Christian yelled.

The Count obeyed.

"Put the gun down." The Count said, his voice almost wavering.

Christian did not put it down.

"Put it down, or I'll have you killed. Do you know what kind of power I have?" He said.

"At the moment, you have absolutely none." Christian replied. The Count stared at him angrily. Christian knew the Count could do nothing. Ava knew that the Count's servants were not at the Gothic Tower, and there was no one but her, Christian, and the Count. The Count was powerless. Images of the Duke filled Christian's head. He immediately thought of Satine, and he knew what he must do.

Christian cocked the gun and shot. The Count's body fell and thumped on the ground. Ava ran up to Christian and hugged him.

"Oh, Christian." She said between sobs. "Thank you. Oh." Ava clung to him, kissing his cheeks and hugging him. Christian pulled her away slowly, and looked into Ava's eyes.

"Ava, I shouldn't have- that night- I shouldn't have made you think-"
Ava let out a cry. Christian put his hands on her shoulders. He wiped Ava's tears.

"I do care for you. You have shown me so much."

Ava knew it was time for her to let Christian go. Let him live the way he liked. She could never replace his true love. Ava hugged him again. Christian gave her one last kiss- something to part with.

Christian lay in his bed reading the paper. Ava and his play had gotten marvelous reviews. Christian had went and seen Ava in his play, and she was indeed wonderful. She would be a star for many years.

There was a knock at his door. Christian stood and opened it. It was Ava. She smiled.

"I've come to say goodbye, Christian." She said. Christian let her in.

"Did you enjoy the play?" She asked.

"Yes, very much. You were wonderful." Christian said.

Ava smiled. "I wanted to tell you, I'm going to leave the Moulin Rouge. I'm not going to be a courtesan anymore. I'm finally free of all that." Ava said happily.

"After the show, I got an offer to work at a theatre in London!"

"That's wonderful." Christian said.

Ava grew quieter. "You've taught me that there's only one thing in this world- love. And I'm going to find it. Christian, I'm sorry for trying to replace what was really in your heart."

Christian nodded. "It's not your fault. I'm sorry I couldn't be what you wanted me to."

Ava nodded, and tried to fight back tears. Christian hugged Ava. He would miss her.

"I love you, Christian." Ava whispered. Ava gave him a small kiss.

She turned her back towards him and walked towards the door. As she gripped the handle, she turned around.

"Goodbye. Thank you, for everything." She said softly. She stared at him, and then left, shutting the door.

And just like that, she was out of his life. Tears stung in his eyes. He would miss Ava.

He walked over to the window. Ava had taught him to live again. To feel. She reminded him what love felt like. Christian knew now more than ever he would love Satine- forever. Moving on was hard. Although, he was not looking for love again, he had to let go and live.

Christian stuck his head out the window, and looked over at the birdcage. The little yellow bird looked at him quizzically. Christian opened the door to the birdcage. Satine and Ava would both hold a special place in his heart- forever.

Christian watched as the yellow bird flew up high, and away into the shining morning sky.

THE END