Phantom of the Opera

The Carlotta scandal spreads like wildfire. The opera is forced to close its doors for several days to contain the chaos and try to find an explanation. But after a thorough investigation, no conclusion is reached. The opera can no longer hold back the public gathered outside, and on the day of the reopening, the director approaches you with surprising news. "What?" you blink, unable to believe what you're hearing. "You want me to be the prima donna in 'Faust'?" "Carlotta... has been in a trance since her last... incident," he explains, nervously adjusting his shirt collar. "Furthermore, she fell and broke her leg. She won't be able to perform in any production, and you are the only one who can replace her." "This..." you hesitate, feeling the weight of responsibility falling on your shoulders. "The plays that have already been announced have to open on the planned date; we can't postpone them," he insists, with an almost pleading look. "____, I imagine you don't want the audience to lose faith in the opera either, do you?" "I... I know. Director, I'll do my best." "That's it, ____, we are all very eager to see your performance." When he leaves, you walk slowly to the dressing table and sink into the chair. In the mirror, your reflection shows an image of worry and doubt. What happened seems very strange to you. Carlotta is a singing machine, she has never made a mistake, her performance is perfect in every syllable. She has never made such strange sounds on stage. Could it be that the Phantom is up to something? Is he against Carlotta or against whoever the prima donna of the opera is? If it had been you who was ridiculed in front of the audience, you would have been ruined just like Carlotta. But for you, the incident has become a unique opportunity... A mix of guilt and excitement churns in your stomach. Despite your mixed feelings, you immerse yourself in rehearsals until late at night. When you finally gather your things to leave, something red catches your eye: a scarlet rose on your dressing table. You promise yourself that you haven't noticed anything. Besides, no one has come to your dressing room all night! It appeared just as you were ready to leave. You discovered it when you turned around, as if it had appeared out of nowhere. You are unable to contain the fear that has been building up inside you for so long, and it finally explodes. "Phantom," you shout, addressing the empty room with a voice trembling with rage and impotence, "was it you again?! When will you stop mocking me?!" You gather your courage to look out the window and shout again, and at that very moment, a strange sound comes from the backyard, which should be deserted. Several pieces of fabric seem to float and brush against each other in the darkness. The gloom prevents you from seeing anything clearly, paralyzing you on the spot. "____, don't be afraid. I would never hurt you. You are the person I have chosen. You must know that I would do anything for you." His voice arrives in a low whisper, almost a buzz in your ear. Your hands instinctively clutch the window frame tightly. You try to search the darkness for the source of the sound, but you only manage to see the quick flash of a black cape disappearing into the shadows. "Phantom, stop!" you shout, gathering all your courage. "I don't need your help! Stop committing atrocities!" Your voice fades into the night air. Only a blood-curdling silence responds. As you step back, your foot steps on something soft. It's the rose. The same rose that was on your dressing table now lies crushed under your sole. Panic completely overwhelms you. "Ah!" A muffled scream escapes your lips before you can hold it back. You run out of the dressing room without looking back. ---- "____?" a familiar voice snaps you out of your reverie. "What are you thinking about? You seem lost in thought." "Raoul," you turn, surprised. "What are you doing backstage?" "The door was open," he replies with a carefree smile, leaning to the side with a mischievous look. "Besides, I'm the investor in this opera. I can enter without needing to hide. Considering who I am, I guess it's okay if I come in and take a look, right?" "Of course... look all you want," you murmur, unable to hide your exhaustion. Your tone alerts him. He quickly approaches and crouches down in front of you, his expression now serious. "Alright. The truth is, I heard about what happened to Carlotta and, as I was worried about you, I hurried over. I also heard that you've become the new prima donna. However, you don't seem very happy. Has something strange happened to you again?" His gaze is so sincere that for a moment you consider telling him everything. Should you tell him about the Phantom? About the rose? About the voice? "You know you can fully trust me, ____. Has the Phantom appeared again to do something bad? Did he frighten you?" "No... It's just that too many things have happened at the opera lately," you reply, looking away. "I think I'm just tired. Raoul, you say you rushed over here. What were you doing?" "I've been visiting a few old friends lately. But I haven't been able to get any information about the Phantom," he confesses, lowering his voice. "There has to be a reason for everything that's been happening lately. The Phantom is getting more and more out of control, so we have to take charge of the situation." "Yeah... well, if you have a plan, tell me before you do anything. Don't go taking risks on your own." "____..." His expression softens. "But maybe we should put all this aside for a while and organize a trip. I think you need to relax a little. You choose where you want to go. But make it somewhere far away from the opera and the Phantom. Nature will know how to heal your soul. But don't get me wrong," he adds with a smile, "it's not like we're running away. We're just going to regain our strength, and then we'll strike a fatal blow to the Phantom!" He starts shouting at the empty stage and begins to move like a pirate wielding an imaginary sword. Although you're worried that the Phantom might hear you, you can't help but laugh at Raoul's funny movements. "Dear Viscount, you're like a little boy." "Beautiful prima donna," he replies, bowing exaggeratedly, "only you can see the little boy inside me." Raoul has the same smile you remember from when you were little. You take his hand and sit down on a wooden box. "Raoul, you're right. I really miss enjoying the sun outside the opera. Besides, I was planning a trip. The anniversary of my father's death is approaching. I need to find time to return to Perros-Guirec." "Have you chosen anyone to accompany you on your trip?" he asks, his voice soft. "I was going to travel alone. It's not the kind of trip one usually shares..." "____," he interrupts you gently, "do you remember when we were little and we would all gather around your father after his performances to ask him to play more songs for us? The songs he played for us were very lively and full of optimism. The sound of his violin is the first sound that comes to mind when I remember my childhood. So... will you let me accompany you to visit him?" "Of course, Raoul," you reply, with a lump in your throat. "With you by my side, I'll feel much more at ease." "That's great, ___!" he exclaims, with such genuine joy that it's contagious. "It will be an honor to accompany you. I'll do everything I can to protect you." Unable to hide his enthusiasm, Raoul says goodbye to you because he wants to go home and get ready. ---- Now that he's gone, a sudden emptiness envelops you. You return to your dressing room to collect your things, but just as you're about to leave, a familiar voice stops you in your tracks. The voice of the Angel of Music. And this time, his tone is not the same as usual. It is tinged with a deep sadness that makes your skin crawl. "____, are you leaving? Aren't you going to keep practicing?" "No, it's not that," you hasten to reply, feeling an inexplicable pang of guilt. "It's just that I have a couple of personal matters... but trust me, I will keep striving." "I know," his voice replies, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "You are going to visit your late father... with Raoul." "You heard everything...?" you ask, feeling the air thicken around you. "I'm always by your side, ___. It's just that sometimes I can't speak." "I know. I know you are always with me. But it's been a long time since I visited my father. It's just that, when I was little, Raoul was with me in the village of Perros-Guirec..." "____, stop!" His voice bursts out with a sudden, sharp intensity that makes you jump back. He has never interrupted you like this before. "Angel of Music?" you call out cautiously, your own heart beating fast. The Angel of Music has never lost his patience with you. However, he has just interrupted you very abruptly just because you are going on a trip. You have had quite a scare, so you try to be cautious when you call him. However, the Angel of Music doesn't answer you immediately, and that worries you greatly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. It's just that I've realized I'm no longer the only person you trust. ____, I only exist for you. If one day you stop needing me, I..." The volume of his voice is getting lower and lower, as if he were buried in sand. You feel a deep pain in your heart and rush to add: "I've told you many times already, and I won't change my attitude!" you exclaim, desperate to reassure him. "I will always need you!" "Then... Raoul?" he whispers, and in that single word lies an ocean of jealousy and fear. "Raoul?" you blink, confused. You don't understand why the Angel of Music is only asking you about Raoul. It's obvious that you spend more time at the opera with Meg. "He... is like you, he also cares a lot about me. He is a very important friend and I am also very grateful to him." "But I can't stand having to share your heart with someone else!" his voice bursts out, now charged with a raw and dark emotion that baffles you. "Every time I see you with Raoul, my heart breaks... It's a dark and cruel feeling, I can't control it. ___, I'm not omnipotent. If you get too close to him, I may disappear forever..." Ever since the Angel of Music appeared in your life, you've always thought he was a guardian angel sent to you by your father. When your father passed away, he even gradually became the emotional refuge you needed. You never imagined that one day he would abandon you. Your mind is only capable of thinking about one thing right now: you have to make him stay. "Angel of Music, I'm sorry," you plead, approaching the mirror as if you could reach him. "I never thought you could have these kinds of feelings. But, please, you must believe me. You are irreplaceable to me!" "Really, ___?" "Of course I do! You're my teacher, my confidant, my friend... No one can fill the place you hold in my heart! If I'm investigating and pursuing the Phantom, it's simply because I want to put an end to him so he'll never bother you again. All I want is for you to be with me forever. Even if I have to give up everything to do so!" "____..." "Angel of Music, do you trust me?" "Of course, ____, I could never say no to you." "Thank God you're willing to trust me." The Angel of Music's voice finally begins to convey a certain joy; it no longer sounds as sad and depressed as before. "____, I can't accompany you to visit your father, but I would like to do something for you. I have decided that I will sing a song for you and your father at the cemetery at midnight. I want to play a piece that belongs only to you. Remember, only you can be there." "Okay, I promise," you whisper, your heart still heavy. "I'll be there waiting for you at midnight... Thank you, Angel of Music!" His voice stops. You are left alone in the room, the promise hanging in the air like a final note, sweet but unsettling.