AT THE THEME PARK
The next morning, Christine took Gustave to the theme park. The theme park had many attractions, like choo-choo train, cowboy ride, and so on. Gustave ran from one ride to another. Christine had difficulty catching up with the young boy.
When they rode the choo-choo train, the station played Wabash Cannon Ball as the background music. Christine was impressed with the song.
"Nice music isn't it, Gustave?" Christine commented.
"Yes, I can play it for you at home." Gustave was gifted with music.
Time went by fast. After a couple more rides, Christine noticed that tourists started gathering together at the main walk. She looked at the time. It's almost noon. She said to Gustave,
"Let's take a break and wait here, Gustave. Aunt Meg's parade will begin soon."
"All right", Gustave stayed by Christine.
"It's so much fun, but I wish Dad could be here with us." He complained.
"You know Dad went downtown for business." Christine replied. "But I am here with you."
"But you can't run fast, Mom." Gustave continued complaining. "And Dad is always on business. He doesn't care about me as much as you do."
"Gustave." Christine disagreed. "Dad loves you just as much as I do. The business is very important to our family. You understand, right?"
Gustave nodded.
"LOOK WITH YOUR HEART, AND NOT WITH YOUR EYES". Christine sang softly to Gustave.
Soon the parade started. Meg, dressed like a magician, led a parade down the road. The parade played songs like Yankee Doodle. Christine and Gustave smiled and applauded toward Meg, and Meg waved back at them.
Some clowns in the parade came up close and interacted with Gustave and Christine. Gustave smiled and waved back happily, but Christine didn't feel very comfortable.
After the parade, Meg came back to meet Christine and Gustave.
"You are so wonderful!" Christine praised.
"Thank you. Do you like it?" Meg was smiling.
"Of course, Meg. There is so much fun. It reminds me of Masquerade." Christine was excited, but her mood turned a little bit lower at her last word. Meg noticed the subtlety. She gave Christine a comforting hug.
Gustave just remembered his question, "I have a question, Aunt Meg. What's the national anthem of the United States?"
"Well, it's not decided yet, but there are a couple of popular candidates. You will hear them later." Meg replied.
"The music is great." Christine continued, "I am glad to have the opportunity to hear these songs here in the …"
"Phantom's Opera!" Gustave suddenly shouted out.
"What?" Christine was shocked.
"Look!" Gustave pointed at a building not very far from them now, which had a sign "Phantom's Opera".
"Oh no!" Christine gushed.
"Oh yes!" Gustave was excited.
"Oh, Christine, I know your feeling." Meg explained with an apologizing tone, "Don't worry. It's just a playground." She sighed, "It's very popular. Kids love it."
"Mom, let's go." Gustave was anxious.
"I have to go now, Christine. Go have fun. Don't worry." Meg tried to comfort Christine.
Before Christine could say anything to Meg, Gustave was already running toward the "Phantom's Opera". Christine had no choice but to catch up with him.
Gustave stopped just before entering "Phantom's Opera". He was attracted by the building nearby. He read the sign on it, "Phantom's Labyrinth…Under construction… Opening soon…" And then he rushed into the entrance of "Phantom's Opera".
Christine reached the entrance too. She also stopped briefly, read the sign on the nearby "Phantom's Labyrinth", which only made her more upset, and then she hurried into the building.