Nadir was soon settled in the sleigh. He repositioned his personal affects as he watched the men from the carriage house bring the pine box from the other end. They'd affixed it to a small sled to maneuver it over the drifts. Soon the box was mounted on the sleigh in front of him. He and Sara would ride the distance to Paris together.
It wouldn't be an entirely pleasant trip, the sleigh having no covering, but there was little alternative. Nadir was thankful that there was at least a solid covering on the snow, and that the sleigh had made it quite easily on the adventure the trio had been on earlier. It gave him a fair amount of confidence that they'd have little trouble reaching Paris, though they'd made several additions to the sleigh in terms of warmth and protection just in case they'd find themselves stranded.
As the sleigh lurched forward, Nadir looked back at the house. Madame Giry, Meg, and Raoul stood watching out of the large pane in the door. He waived to them. Yes, this was anything but a pleasant trip, but it was one Nadir made quite willingly. He'd both duty to the woman, and obligation to Erik to encourage him on. Nadir watched the house until he could no longer see the distinct features of their faces.
He turned facing into the wind that rushed passed him as the sleigh moved on forward toward the City On the morrow he'd have Sara in some sort of arrangement. Tonight she would find her temporary rest on LeMortem Street, though he doubted the drivers would fancy their assignment. They likely knew, though he'd not said, where their first stop would be. He'd see just how intuitive Raoul's staff was when they arrived in the city proper.
XXXXXXX
Raoul turned to Meg and Madame Giry. He smiled, glancing back and forth between them. "Meg, we ought share with Mother don't you think?" Meg nodded. "Then come, let us go to the room." Raoul smiled taking the two women's hands and making his way quickly to the room where they'd shared so much, not days before. It had been his sanctuary, and now he shared it with two women whose importance in his life was steadily increasing. It gave him such pleasure to lead them to that room, closing the door behind them. There had been something so exciting about sharing this part of his private life with others who cared about him. It was as though he'd been given permission to have feelings other than those of serious repose, and it warmed the cockles of his heart.
Raoul moved swiftly to the small lamp that lay at the back of the small room, lighting it. Meg's face was already lit, it was in no need of additional illumination. She'd removed her coat and now slid her hands from her muff. Madame Giry's eyes had already hungrily scanned Meg's left hand, her right being obscured by shadow, Madame Giry had paid it no mind.
Her face was somewhat contorted. Why this act, why this secrecy if a proposal had not been made?
Raoul smiled at her He needed to explain. "Madame Giry," he said taking her hand, and Meg's into his, "do let us tell you of the goings on inside the privacy of the grotto."
She smiled at Raoul and Meg. They would tell her, and she'd no doubt it was of considerable importance, or they would even now be enjoying tea in the parlor.
XXXX
DeChagny had risen, already having made his way to Nadir's chambers, Raoul's, and the locked door of Meg's. He'd found the rooms quite deserted, and the house nearly silent as he descended to the lower floor. He'd made his way to the parlor, the library, and was on his way to the library when he heard voices. He shook his head, it had to be his imagination He'd found them once before in that tiny closet of a room, and he'd no want to surprise them. He stood by the door, and though he could hear voices, he'd no idea of what they spoke. He'd heard Raoul pause, and some quiet laughter but nothing more.
He decided to make his way to the kitchen for a hot cup of tea. Just what he'd need now to clear his head. Much of the previous night, and some of the events of early that very day were a bit of a blur, and nothing helped to alleviate it as a bit of fresh air and a bit of tea. He moved passed the door on to the kitchen.
He could have made his way around the room blindfolded. As he poured the hot water into his cup, he thought, perhaps it was time. Time to return home. He could easily conduct his business two days a week at the Opera House. He could tend to the things he'd left slip aside during the focused repairs. Raoul's house was quite full, and he could see no relief in sight for the coming future. He needed to give his son room, and time. Something he'd been given the luxury of by his own father though he'd come to grieve over it. Raoul was right, he thought as he submersed the tea ball into his cup. How could he begrudge Raoul that which he'd been given?
The simple truth was that Raoul had never known, no one save Claire, had known the bitter heartache that the freedom had ultimately exacted. Perhaps that is why he'd fought with such perserverence to keep Raoul on the straight and narrow. What the world perceived to be callous and devoid of compassion, was nearly the opposite…though he'd hardly had the luxury of being able to explain as much.
As the tea steeped he found himself sitting at the small table most often used by the maids. It was comfortable, and quite out of view. As properly discreet as a staff's quarters should be DeChagny thought.
He sipped the hot brew. He would wait until they emerged from the room. Whatever it was that they felt need for privacy, he may or may not be privy to. It mattered little at this point. Raoul was a full grown man, and he could conduct himself within the walls of his own home in any manner he liked, and he'd reminded his father of as much. Silently DeChagny sipped his cup. Yes, he would wait.
XXXXXX
Nicole made her way to the kitchens. She could hear the hustle and bustle before she even reached the room. She'd slipped into the room's edge, putting on her apron before she moved to her usually appointed duties.
The room fell nearly silent. The head cook came forward. "Nicole, you my dear are in no condition to be here. You should be resting, tending to your mother, your own needs. We can take care of things here until you are ready my dear."
Nicole smiled, looking up at the woman she'd known for five years. It had been the most compassionate the woman had ever been with her and it made her uneasy. Nicole's eyes were brimming though she'd refused to give in to her crying. Tears would not help her now. "Thank you, that is most kind of you. Though, if you do not mind, I'd prefer to work. Sitting in silence has proven to be no friend of mine. I think just now the comfort of the routine of work would suit my sorrows much better."
The woman put her hand on Nicole's shoulder. She looked her most seriously in the eye, "are you certain child, because we can certainly manage."
Nicole nodded, picking up the knife with one hand, and a potato with the other. "Yes mum, quite."
The woman smiled at her. Nicole's strength shone brightly once again. "Very well then." The staff began to silently return to their duties. In a few minutes time, there was the normal hustle and bustle of the kitchen as they prepared for their numerous guests. This is precisely what Nicole needed now. Something normal, mundane, routine, in a world that had been anything but that this past twenty-four hours.
XXXXX
The sleigh ride to the Opera House had taken just under an hour, and they'd had to walk a part of the distance on foot. The doctor had knocked on the door, and though no one came, he opened the door and let himself inside.
It was the first he'd seen of the walls that had been refashioned and repaired. There were only a few gas lamps illuminating the great foyer, but it was even more elegant than he'd recalled. He called out several times as he made his way around then mezzanine before he ventured up the grand staircase to the second level. He had a fair degree of certainty that this is where the offices were housed. Once reaching the upper level he could at least hear voices, if however faint. "Hello….hello….is there…." He heard a sound on the lower floor. The outer door opening a chilling wind swirling into the foyer, though no one entered. He descended, thinking he must have carelessly left the door unlatched. He pushed it closed securely. He'd venture about, certain someone had to be there, and the offices held the most promise.
XXXXX
Nadir was shivering so hard he nearly thought he might break a bone. The gas lights of the City were visible above the drifts of snow, and they beckoned him. The city had never appeared so splendid to him as it did at the present. They had made it, and though chilled through and through, they had made it.
The driver never looked back, never waited for indication. In the failing twilight that was bringing that day to a close, he'd no wish to pause for formalities. He knew that he'd be venturing down that street, and he did not wish to do so alone, even in the light of day.
Nadir's cheek twinged just slightly. He had been willing to accompany him there, though the man had never asked his intentions. Perhaps that fear was so deeply ingrained in Parisians, that it was simply understood that he'd not travel there alone. Nadir shook his head. What fears did these people know? They believed in legends and whispers. Nadir knew first hand of a treachery so vile it was unspeakable. He feared nothing in this City, for he'd seen the worst the world had ever conjured and lived to tell of it, no this little street held no fear for him.
As the sleigh ventured into the heart of the city, finding and making land marks became somewhat of a game. The buildings of greater stature were a guiding post, though the smaller were all but completely buried. They'd made their way down passed the last large mass of a cathedral, turning left knowing that path would take them to the street. As they traveled over the ice-hardened drifts, they grew closer and closer to their destination. It was odd, though the buildings were decidedly shorter and of less size, the drifts grew smaller and smaller, until they finally came to the turn for the street.
It was a shocking sight as they rounded the last corner. The abrupt change in the landscape. There the row of uniform cement buildings lay. The street in front of it had been cleared by the scoops of a hundred shovels working in unison, making way for what surely would be a boom in business in the wake of the storm…and the alley, that lay behind, though scraped at roughly appeared damp, and a red tinge about the snow that did remain, sent a shiver of memories down Nadir's spine. It was the street of death, aptly titled, and duly feared, though not by everyone.
The sleigh came to a stop out in front of the undertakers office. Nadir dismounted going to the heavy door, lifting the knocker but once. The door opened and he disappeared inside. The drivers sat stoic on the sleigh. They would neither accompany him, nor were they entirely certain that if a scream was heard that they wouldn't unlash the sleigh and ride away on the beasts. The men hated everything about being on that street, and were still angry at what had been the shortest straws drawn. They'd not wish it on anyone, they simply had wished it had not befallen them.
Nadir made his way into the unusually humid outer room. It was scantily lit, and the man himself was clothed in garb that showed the nature of his business, covered in every shade of crimson that the palette of human blood could display.
There was no time for the formal nature of the business the man usually conducted, he was busy. Those who delivered the bodies were most often not the family, but a lower element of society that removed such unpleasantness from their presence in a timely fashion, delivering them to LeMortem Street. A street all knew was there, but none mentioned, nor seemed to acknowledge its existence. It served a necessary function and nothing more.
The man did not extend his hand to Nadir. Which pleased him. Erik had chosen him for a number of reasons, not the least of which was acquiring the latest knowledge on his occupation. The shaking of hands was now considered forbidden. It could share more than a pleasant greeting, and in a business where one dealt with death in abundance, there was no need to share any element of the gift of death among the living.
The man showed Nadir to a chair in front of a small unassuming desk. The smell was repugnant, a sickly sweet smell of the incense that was so commonly burned trying to mask the other putrid odors that abounded in such places. Nadir was no stranger to such practices, and the very first nauseating inhalation of it made Nadir want to double over in a wretched fit of vomiting. It was something most wouldn't have known, but once you'd acquired the knowledge, you shan't forget it, try though one might.
"The woman, she's been dead more than a week?" Nadir nodded his head. It was shameful. "I gather she's been prepared." Nadir nodded his head again. The man began to scratch at his chin.
A loud noise from the room behind distracted him. He rose and disappeared behind a small door without excuse. Nadir looked around the room. The single light was the lamp on the desk. The walls were a grey washed wood. Though it was clean and tidy from what he could observe, it was less that a desirable atmosphere. The singular item that adorned the wall was a frame of the diploma the man had received years before. It looked as faded as the walls. Nadir sighed. Though he was not frightened, he'd no desire to spend a minute more in that place than he'd have need to.
He'd sat there for a few minutes before the man returned. A fresh smear of red across the surface of his apron though he'd tried to wipe it clean before he returned. He picked up his writing instrument, resuming the questions.
"And the cause of death?" The man looked Nadir squarely in the eye.
Nadir said, "wounded by a burglar, gun shot."
The man who'd glanced down to write, looked back up. "Was it that Crawlings character?"
Nadir felt the sweat rising under his collar. "Yes, as a matter of fact it was a Crawlings, why do you ask?" Nadir said, now staring at the man.
"You've surely heard sir, he's killed three innkeepers in the City." Nadir cocked his head, "three?"
The man looked up as matter-of-factly as if he were talking about purchasing a horse, or the delivery of a post. "Yes, the third man died just a day ago, he was delivered here not long ago. Nadir shook his head. "This woman, she was prepared by what undertaker, and why sir did she find her way here and not back to the one who prepared her?" The man looked up again.
Nadir said, "she died in a city quite far from here, but her last wishes were to be buried with husband. We've had a bit of trouble with the weather and the like sir."
The man was scribbling on his paper, looking up he said, "I have been quite busy sir, these last weeks, and I do not have sufficient time to prepare bills for services, I shall require payment in full prior to finishing my work sir." The man looked at Nadir.
Nadir had not been prepared for that, not tonight. He knew of the funds he had of Erik's, surely they were not sufficient enough to pay the bill in full right then. He imagined of the places that Erik had told him of hidden funds, he'd have to wait for days before his presence would not seem out of the ordinary in order to retrieve the money. He sighed. "Sir, I do not have the amount you would require, but I can have it in a few days time."
The undertaker was shaking his head. There would be no delay in payment or the box would not be unloaded.
Nadir took out his leather retrieving what sum he had, reserving but a few bills. He decided rather quickly that he would be spending the night at the Opera House. Nadir had to find the cellars that Erik had told him of. He knew not if there would be funds there, or anything that remained of value that he might barter, but he would have to try.
The transaction was simple. He'd given the man half of the sum, and he'd agreed to accept Sara. There would be peace for a night. Nadir tried to convince the driver to bring the sleigh behind the buildings but he refused, he would not travel the street of blood.
Nadir and the undertaker carried the small pine box in through the front door. Though it was of a fine polished white, and carefully crafted it was not heavy and proved to be of no difficulty for the men. Nadir thought to himself, he'd carried far more heavy men, and in less than reasonable containers.
"I shall bring you the remainder sir within the day. The man nodded as he closed the door behind Nadir. Perhaps it was because the work had already been done, and he'd nothing more to do than house the box until a proper burial could be arranged. Whatever the case had been, Nadir breathed a sigh of relief as he climbed back into the sleigh. "To the Opera House sir, to the Opera House."
XXXXX
The foal's was more certain of her footing as she trotted about the small barn next to her mother's side. She was a beautiful specimen, coal black from nose to hind-quarter, and the only deviation from its purity was a small pair of white diamonds on the crest of her brow. She was beautiful to behold, with a diverging temperament. If looks could deceive, this surely was the case. She was a bit bold and aggressive when challenged. Her mother was fiercely protective.
The man had brought out several carrots and an apple from the winter storehouse, which the mother took with some reservation. As she made dinner of them as she watched the man with an eye full of scrutiny.
He'd lightly fitted the foal with a loose harness and lead. It served no function other than training to become accustomed to it from the first. It would have been what the master would have done had he been there for the arrival. In his absence the man used his best judgment.
As he walked back to the house from the barn, he took note how he could see the lower limbs of the trees emerging from the drifts. Surely the melt had begun and would continue until this storm, and all that it had brought would be a distant memory as spring came back to claim what was rightfully hers.
XXXXX
Raoul led Madame Giry and Meg from the tiny closet. Madame Giry was at once relieved that a formal engagement was not to be announced, and that Meg and Raoul were in agreement on the plan for the coming weeks It was, in her mind, the prudent course of action. The best assuredness could be found when both time and distance separated both from the situations they'd found themselves in quite by default. She could return to the Opera Populaire, setting affairs in order for whatever eventuality was chosen. She would be grateful for the chance to put things in order in advance if she were staying on at the Opera House, and relieved to have them in order for her successor if she were to go. Time would bring relief and assuredness. It was an assiduous plan, and she thought it suited their circumstances quite well.
Raoul escorted the ladies to the dining room. Though Madeline had neither had opportunity to inform him, nor he to inquire, he felt fairly certain by the settings on the table and the glorious scents coming from the kitchen that the dinner hour was soon to be at hand.
The table had been set for four, and by the scent of peppermint that Raoul caught, he thought his father to be finally awake and ready to dine with them. Raoul smiled as he pulled the chair out first for Meg, and then Madame Giry.
Madeline peered from behind the door as Raoul was seating himself. She was smiling. She'd been searching for them to tell them that dinner was ready, but search though she might, she had not found them. However they had arrived there, she was thankful. They'd a rack of lamb and a cherry glaze awaiting them, and it was of the most perfect pink, and entirely ready to serve.
Madeline made her way back to the table at the corner of the kitchen. She made purposeful sound, and at one point dropped a kettle rather heavily on the stove. DeChagny jerked awake. He'd fallen off to sleep, his head leaned against the wall.
He'd been off in a dream the essence of peppermint had proven to be a catalyst taking him back to an afternoon that July in Chauesser. He and Claire had just left the sweet shop, a small paper bag in hand. She'd opened it offering to him her favorite candy. They were small striped peppermints that melted in ones mouth. He'd rather taken a fancy to all things peppermint thereafter. Perhaps, all those years later, it quite explained his fascination with peppermint tea.
Madeline walked over retrieving his cup, whispering, "dinner ready, wait for you, you go now." DeChagny's eyes were bleary, and he stumbled a bit before his footing was sure. He'd join them, and find out, with any fortune, what had kept them in the closet for such an extended time. As he walked to the room to join them, he heard laughter. Not regular social laughter, but the laughter of happy souls enjoying genuinely, one another's company. It made him smile. Perhaps tonight would be a good time to announce that he would be somewhat less present in Raoul's household. Yes, he decided it was indeed time.
XXXXXXXXX
The physician had searched the second floor. DeChagny had neither come in that day, nor had he been seen at all by the sole man that remained tidying up after the craftsman that had worked there that day. He'd found his way down to the foyer and was ready to make his way out when he heard a noise outside the door. Thinking the wind must be blowing about debris, he went to the door to make certain it was securely latched. He'd nearly decided to venture back to the woman's house on foot, never having made it to Raoul's at all. Perhaps on the morrow he'd be able to do so. As he reached the door it flew open, and with the gust of wind came a man.
"Sir?" Said the doctor, watching as the man unbundled. He knew not if he was to be of assistance to the man, or the man to him.
Nadir pulling the last scarf from his head trying to focus as the driver brought in his small trunk for him. "Doctor?" Nadir spun about on his heels.
"Nadir?" The two men embraced. "What on earth finds you here at this hour and in this weather?" The doctor said as he assisted Nadir in removing his cloak and heavy layers.
"The same could be asked of you sir." Nadir said, smiling and nodding his head in thanks.
The doctor laughed, "yes, quite."
Nadir looked around the foyer. "Quite a grand specimen isn't she?"
The doctor nodded, "agreed." The men were unconsciously walking toward the lower floors of the Opera House were they saw light and heard the only sounds in the entire expanse of the Opera House.
"I've come to find DeChagny, I had hoped to make use of his sleigh to go to Raoul's house, I have a matter most urgent to discuss with Raoul."
Nadir had taken the doctor by the arm and turned about face. "with any fortune at all, we may have opportunity to retrieve him before he leaves the City."
The doctor looked quite perplexed. "Retrieve whom sir?"
Nadir looked at him, at first with furrowed brow, but then quickly realized the doctor would have had no knowledge of his being at Raoul's house just now. "Doctor, I've just come from there, the driver will be returning there now, if we catch him…"
The doctor's pace quickened, Nadir no longer needing to lead him. They opened the door to find the sleigh still outside, and a pair of tracks in the snow leading over to the tavern across the drift from the Opera House. They would have time.
Nadir made fairly quick work of the drift, sending the doctor to retreat inside the Opera House. Nadir found the man in the tavern, having gone in for a bit of something to warm himself before journeying back to Raoul's. It had been fairly uneventful, but it had been cold, and a bit of warmth in the veins would serve him well. He would be ready within the hour, he and Nadir looking at their watches lest there be a misunderstanding about the time.
"You'll come in and find us then sir? In the lower levels where the staff and repairmen now sit for supper?"
The man nodded He'd do anything at all as long as he'd not had to return to that street again. Perhaps his journey to the tavern had only been in part to warm him, and as much to quell the other shivers running up and down his spine that had nothing at all to do with the weather.
Nadir made his way back to the Opera House. "Come, let us have a bit of tea, and sir, have you had dinner?" The doctor shook his head, he'd had nothing substantial in the last day, and a warm supper before he'd head out on such a journey did sound to be a wise thing.
Author's Notes:
Dear Faithfuls: Yes, this chapter was devoid of Erik and Christine, but I can assure you they are happily resting for the next chapter! They are rather tired from the last one!
CaptainOblivious: Ah yes, at least you were able to wear the cape! Ahhh…yes, just a piece of your heart? Well, if you're not sure you want to get it back, it probably isn't yours anymore anyway! (As in Rob has already possessed it!) Sorry my response is so short…just checked the reviews right before I posted today, and there were three added at the last minute….more next time though, I swear!
PhantomsRogue: Yes, maybe one day we shall hear each other's voice…who knows! I don't have much time to respond today, just checked the reviews right before I posted today, and there were three added at the last minute. Thank you for understanding about devoting an entire chapter to just E/C…it seems none in our Phamily minded it all that much! LOL! We are all such romantics at heart aren't we? As for Nadir and Madame Giry….we shall see….. By the way, I'd rethink the day of the week for Erik…I think I'd want him to be Friday….that is the longest night of the week for me, and the only day I don't have to get up the next morning…heck, I'm not sure I'd even sleep if he was around! LOL! Have a great night!
Faeriecatcher1: Sorry my response is so short…just checked the reviews right before I posted today, and there were three added at the last minute. Sounds like you had a productive Halloween…a bag full of candy indeed! Glad you liked the chapter!
Batteredchild: No Halloween? That's probably o.k., since it is really a cavity-inducing holiday! LOL! But have to tell you, you've peeked my interest….what of ancient history were you studying my dear? I am always intrigued! Studying is a good thing!
Evil computers, yes, I've had my share of those. I'd penned several chapters, saving them on a disk, there-in lay my own stupidity, and when I went to reopen the documents, they were unreadable…fully two days work lost forever! I was more than distraught as I'd included so much in them, so many quotes, so much feeling….and though I've recreated some of it in the coming chapters, something is always missed when you have to re-write something. I knew I'd missed a great deal because what had been more than twenty pages was now barely eighteen….arggghhhh. So much to say, I understand your frustration!
Hope that all is well for you…I guess you are heading into summer…no?
Phantomphorever: I must apologize for this most recent chapter…it is full of the jumping-back-and-forth that you are less than fond of! Thank you for reaffirming that devoting an entire chapter to the issue that Erik and Christine faced, was the correct decision. It was a difficult issue for them, but as you saw, they resolved it quite well!
Also, thank you for telling me you didn't mind my re-printing the letter that Christine wrote to Erik. I was not trying to use it as a filler, though it felt a bit like cheating to me! I thought it would be rather cruel to make the readers go back and search for the letter, and as you so aptly put it, the reader could now see the letter through Erik's eyes. So thank you for letting me know that it made sense to include it again.
Yes, the winds of the metaphorical storm, they are a-brewing!
Have a great night
WriterMuseoftheNight: Thank you…let my fantasies unwind…yikes…that could be very scary in my little mind! I'm happy to hear that I've peeked your interest…and I hope not to disappoint!
The anger of Erik's, yes, there are many similarities with the anger he felt when he was unmasked by Christine the first time. In fact, one could look at as yet another mask she was removing, this one just as important, but invisible. His anger this time was different only in that it was accompanied by guilt…which drove the pain of it even deeper. For the truth of the matter is once you have loved and been loved by someone, anger can no longer come without the pain of guilt for hurting the other person…making it far more painful to experience. So our dear Erik thought that suffering in the depths of the Opera House, devoid of human contact was painful, but he is quickly learning that the seemingly easier life that he thought all of humanity enjoyed, is indeed often more painful than that which a recluse…and outcast…endures. For nature is about balance…what is pleasure….without pain!
Hope your hallowed-eve was a good one!
Phantomlover05: Congratulations from your Phamily on making piccolo! That is indeed quite an honor. Hopefully your friend Jessica will be supportive of you! Band is a wonderful group to be in. The musical are usually gifted in other areas as well, just look at our dear Erik! Now I have to admit, I am just a little more than curious as to why you would watch POTO in science class….English class yes, music class yes, even psychology, or social studies…but science? Hmmm….pray do tell.
Yes Erik's temper did wane, and it wasn't long before he begged for her forgiveness…as we knew he would!
Have a great night…and don't forget to practice that piccolo remember to whom much is given, much is expected!
Nordygirl: Again, another wonderful rendition…I'd forgotten the complete tune to the song, but I have to admit your words were rather amusing. Have a great night!
DivePrincess: Do remember that a friend is a friend only as long as they are behaving like a friend. No doubt James is rebelling against everything that he's come to know these years that he's been at home. Do not allow him to overcome what you feel is right. You have to have a line that you won't cross, not for anyone. That is how you define who you are. Stay true to yourself, but recognize that James is still James underneath, he's just seeing life through a different set of eyes right now. You've called him on what you think, now its up to him to decide what he's going to do. Just be the same friend that you've always been to him. You can only control what you do, not what he does. Believe me, it took me years of hurt to learn that lesson well. Now I just love my friends for who they are, and help them when I can, but I've learned to know when to help and when to love them just as they are. People will disappoint us, no matter what we do…its up to us to decide what we are going to do about it.
Take care of yourself. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
LadyWinifred: Welcome to the Phamily! We hope your stay with our phamily is a long and happy one. Thank you, sincerely for the compliment. I have loved this story for so long, and to be able to be a part of it in a different way has been a dream come true for me. It touches my heart how many people around the world have shared this same need to change the ending of POTO…it is humbling to know that I've been able to be a part of that.
Now, as become our tradition…let me see about that tag name of yours…something from literature perhaps….? Pray do tell.