I could still hear low sobs from downstairs. It was enough to bring a normal man to tears, to listen to his own daughter cry with such a passion. It had been carrying on for almost an hour at this point. Placing my Lucy's picture back on the desk, I turned to leave the flat to see what all the fuss was about.

"Mrs Lovett," I called as I entered the pie shop. "I thought you said you were sending her to bed."

There was an ear-piercing scream, followed by a crash. In an instant, I rushed to the parlour.

"Johanna?"

What was I to think when I saw my daughter standing with one of the figurines Mrs Lovett kept on her mantle, poised and ready to throw at her head when she should please. Mrs Lovett stood cowering, trying to soothe her.

"Mr T! I don't know what 'appened, she just…she just flew at me!"

I did not question what it was that would provoke a shy young girl, but nonetheless moved towards my daughter.

"Johanna, stop that."

She turned towards me, still holding the figurine.

"Please," she said shakily, "leave me be. I don't like this! Leave me alone!"

"Johanna, give me that now."

She seemed uneasy, but shockingly surrendered it. The moment it left her grasp, she fell to her knees before me, her forehead on the floor. I did not know what to say, or even what to do. Mrs Lovett was just as shocked as I was.

There was silence. All that we could do was stare at Johanna, still kneeling on the floor, her forehead still on the floor. I cleared my throat several times, to no avail. All of a sudden, she jumped to her feet, quicker than she had left them.

"You're Mr Todd!" she said loudly and cheerfully, a large grin on her face. I almost fell back with the shock.

"Yes, Johanna."

"And- and she's Mrs Lovett, isn't she?" Johanna pointed at our landlady.

"Yes, she is, Johanna."

"Then…I'm Johanna?" she said questioningly, pointing to herself. I pressed my lips together nervously.

"You are Johanna, yes."

Mrs Lovett opened her mouth to speak, but without even looking at her, I told her to leave the room. Johanna watched in near fascination as Mrs Lovett left, and then looked back at me, her grin still there.

"Doesn't Mrs Lovett have lovely hair, Mr Todd?"

I did not say anything, unable to answer it.

"I don't like your hair, though," she said bluntly, still grinning.

My eyes wandered over her face. There was not a change in it apart from perhaps the fresh blush in her cheeks. I could barely believe I was still looking at my daughter. Even in her insanity I could tell it was her. There was still the pale beauty I had longed for, only overruled by her mother's. Her hair still held the same yellow that had been hidden in my dreams.

She was still my daughter.

Quickly, I took my chance and wrapped my arms around my daughter. Johanna did not fidget- a strange thing indeed for one in her position. I felt no fuss against my embrace. Instead, there was a soft shaking against me.

She simply laughed.

I placed a hand on the back of her head, making sure she was firmly in my grasp. I ignored her childish giggles. It made the idea of her insanity all too real.

"I should think you're tired now," I said hoarsely, disguising my fears.

"Not a bit," she said brightly. I held her at arms length, contemplating for a moment.

"Then you should at least want to see your bird," I said quickly. Her eyes widened.

"I have a bird?" I smiled to the best of my ability- a pathetic one, but one that seemed to keep Johanna content.

"Yes. A lovely little one." I added this on with a sickening thought. I hated the bird. It was only out of hope of Johanna's return that I did not wring its neck.

Johanna clapped her hands delightedly and looked to the door expectantly. With a nod, I took her hand and led her outside. I was careful, watching around and making sure that Johanna was calm. I knew she would not run off, and was glad of it, but knew equally well that she could turn to a more darker side of madness at any moment. Yet there was still not a word from her, just an expectant smile and a slight giggle.

"Mr Todd, is this your room?" she asked sweetly as we entered my flat. I nodded.

"That it is, Johanna."

She smiled to herself.

"It's dusty."

I shook my head, very nearly smiling at the childishness of the comment. All of a sudden, Johanna squealed in delight.

"Is this it, Mr Todd? Is this my bird?" Johanna was kneeling by the cage which I had still forgotten to hang. She was quite amazed with it.

"That's your bird," I said quietly.

"It's awfully small," she said. Then she paused. "But it's pretty. Which is more important, Mr Todd?"

I was quite stunned at the question.

"I shouldn't think I'd know."

"Well, I like it, no matter which is more appropriate," said Johanna defiantly, as if I had spoken out about my disagreements to the creature. For a little while, she simply stared at the cage, tilting her head and giggling as the bird hopped around.

"It's late," I said quietly, still unable to move from the spot where I watched her. She flinched as I spoke, yet not allowing the smile to move from her lips. Johanna nodded.

"I know, Mr Todd."

"We should have you put to bed, you know."

She shook her head.

"I don't think so, Mr Todd."

I shook my head tiredly, confused on what to do. I closed my eyes, thinking deeply. I had never before even thought of the idea being within such close quarters with my daughter, and found it even stranger I should have the proximity with my daughter with such madness in her mind.

When I opened my eyes, she was all of a sudden in front of me. Johanna had stretched upon her toes, so that her eyes were only just below mine. Her face was close enough for me to feel the breath from her.

"Must I go to bed now, Mr Todd?" she asked, pouting slightly. I nodded.

"As I said, it's late, Johanna." She smiled again, and then rested her head upon my chest.

"If I must," she said resignedly, yawning. My hands wrapped around her, cradling her even as we stood. I do not know when she fell asleep. I don't suppose I cared. Johanna was again in my arms, and without a fuss as well.

It was sick of me to say, but I could not believe the elation I had in this moment. My daughter had been driven mad- caused by means that I wish I knew. The very thought of my happiness with the situation was sick. I found myself no better than those I had killed.

Suddenly, there came a sight out of the corner of my eye. I smiled as naturally as possible for me.

"Oh look, Johanna. A star."