Phantom of the Opera

"____..." "Angel of Music, is that you?" Close to your ear, you hear that familiar call, that voice that has guided you so many times. However, a thick fog spreads before your eyes and you cannot see clearly, no matter how hard you try to strain your eyes. "Angel of Music, why aren't you saying anything? Are you still there?" You ask, with a knot of anguish growing in your chest. "_____, I have come to say goodbye to you." Hid voice sounds distant, ethereal, like a whisper that the wind will carry away. "Ah! How I wish I could stay by your side forever... Forgive me, I've already done everything I could for you. But fate has never smiled on me, and now the darkness is calling me." "What? No, don't go!" Your cry pierces the fog. "Is there anything I can do for you? Tell me, anything, I'll think of a solution. We already have clues about the Phantom, Angel! He's a human being, and besides..." You stop short, because at that moment a chilling thought crosses your mind like a bolt of lightning: if the Phantom is a human being, then he can't have any power over an angel, he can't control him, he can't hurt him... "_____, take care of yourself." His voice weakens even more, as if he were swimming away in the fog. "Wait, what do you mean by 'darkness'? Tell me how I can help you!" You extend your hands, trying to grasp his presence, but you only find emptiness. "_____, I bless you forever." The last words float in the air like a caress before fading away completely. "Angel of Music, don't go!" --- You startle awake on the sofa, the scream trapped in your throat, and you realize it was only a dream. Only that: a dream. But even so, you can't shake the feeling of sadness that weighs on your chest like a brick. God knows you've had many nightmares that have come true. Since you discovered that underground passage, since that hasty escape, you haven't heard from the Angel of Music. Not a single word, not a single sign. The Persian didn't reappear either. You can't get used to the tense calm of these days, that silence that weighs heavier than any noise. And no matter how much you practice, your mind is elsewhere. You always believed that the Angel of Music had been disturbed by the Phantom, that somehow that evil presence kept him away. But you have proven that the Phantom is only human. A twisted and cruel human, yes, but human after all. No matter how powerful he may be, how could a man harm an angel? Could he be hiding something from you? It hurts to think so, but the doubt is there, entrenched. You wish he would trust you more, that he would tell you what he is really doing, where he is... You can't control your emotions; they threaten to overflow at any moment. You decide to go backstage to practice your new repertoire. Music always helps you find calm. --- "_____, you should get some rest." "Oh, Raoul, you're here." You look up, and a tired smile appears on your lips. "Thank you for coming to see me." Ever since you escaped danger, Raoul has been coming every night to see the show. You both share the same concern: it's not normal for the opera house to be so quiet, so silent. Perhaps, this time, the Phantom is plotting a larger-scale plan, something that requires patience and stealth. "I'm not a music expert," he says, leaning one shoulder against the dressing room doorframe. "But I know you very well, ____. Your voice sounds... sad, muted today. Has something happened?" "It was just a nightmare..." You lower your gaze, as if the floorboards could give you the answer you seek. "Did it have to do with the Phantom?" His voice becomes more serious. "I understand that you're not at ease, neither am I. The opera is in a very delicate situation. In fact, I've been thinking... I think it would be best to order the opera to close, at least temporarily. Only then can we guarantee people's safety." "But..." You raise your head, alarmed. "The schedule for the new repertoire is already set, and we've all put a tremendous amount of effort into preparing it. Once the opera house closes, who knows when it will reopen. Many people will lose their jobs, Raoul. It's not that simple." "I understand your concern, I really do." He takes a step forward, and his expression softens, trying to convey calm. "But this is a special, unusual situation. I'm sure that if we close for a couple of days, it won't cause any major irreparable losses. I've already spoken to the Paris police. Now that we've discovered the existence of the underground labyrinth, the search team should have no trouble finding the Phantom. I hope they can get to the bottom of this soon and catch him once and for all." "I heard Meg say that the police came to inspect the opera house, but they didn't find anything relevant." You bite your lip nervously. "The underground labyrinth is huge and full of mechanisms and traps. Maybe we should be more careful, be more patient, and wait for news from the Persian." "____, you don't have to worry so much." Raoul tries to smile, but concern shows in the tremor of his lips. "We'll take the necessary measures, step by step. I won't let anything bad happen to you." But you can't help worrying. It's stronger than you. On one hand, you're concerned about Raoul's well-being, and on the other, there's the Angel of Music... The Angel of Music has never appeared outside the opera house, except for his performance in the cemetery, and given how that ended, it's unlikely to happen again. If the opera house closes, if the doors are sealed, where will you be able to meet him again? How will he be able to find you? "____? Is something wrong?" He tilts his head slightly, watching you closely. "If you want, you can tell me. Why are you so worried? There's something else, isn't there?" Raoul moves a little closer to you. You notice his eyes filled with genuine concern, and his voice becomes softer and warmer. "Don't be afraid. I come here every day with a very clear goal: to make sure that you... ahem..." He clears his throat, and a slight blush appears on his cheeks. "...that everyone is safe. If there's anything worrying you, anything at all, you can tell me. You know you can trust me." Secrets crowd your chest and leave you exhausted. The concern in Raoul's gaze makes your eyes water without permission. You would like, with all your might, to share the weight of your worries, to be able to unburden yourself to someone, to stop carrying this weight alone. Raoul is always respectful to others, even in the most difficult moments. Although he has only heard rumors about the Phantom, he takes the matter with a seriousness that moves you. You also told him the story of the Angel of Music that your father told you when you were little. Perhaps, if you explained the situation to him, he could help you think of a way to rescue the Angel, to reach him. But the Angel of Music repeatedly asked you, in a voice that brooked no argument, not to tell anyone about his existence. You don't want to break your promise. You can't. Raoul waits silently for your answer. It is as if his patience and tolerance were inexhaustible, like a bottomless well. In a moment of weakness, you wonder if you should ask him for help... but you quickly dismiss the thought. You promised the Angel of Music that you would keep the secret. He has done so much for you, taught you so much, guided you... this is the only way you can repay him: by keeping your word. "I'm sorry, Raoul." Your voice is barely a whisper. "It's not that I don't trust you, I really don't. But I made a promise, a very important promise to someone else. I must keep my word." "Please don't blame yourself." A shadow of sadness crosses his eyes, but his smile remains steady. "I wish I could help you carry that weight, whatever it may be. But I won't insist any further; I don't want to pressure you. So..." He pauses, delicately changing the subject. "Shall I drive you home after practice? I happen to be going to the police station to find out how the investigation is progressing. We can go together." "Wait, are you saying they're closing the opera soon?" A chill runs down your spine. "Can't they wait a few days?" Lately, the Angel of Music hasn't been appearing, and that absence hurts you more than you'd like to admit. You have a strong feeling, a gut feeling that weighs heavily on your chest, that if you don't see him this time, if you don't manage to contact him before the closure, you'll hardly ever see each other again. But putting everyone at the opera at risk, just for an uncertain possibility, would be incredibly selfish of you. "____?" His voice brings you back. "Time is of the essence. The sooner we close it, the greater the chance of avoiding tragedy. We can't risk more victims." "You're right..." you murmur, but something inside you rebels. "Then... I wonder if they'll let me into the opera house during those days. I've got it!" you exclaim, your eyes suddenly shining. "I promise I'll just stay in my dressing room, I won't move from there, I won't go anywhere else! I just need... I need to be here." "Why?" His brow furrows, concerned. "The police and I won't be able to guarantee your safety while we're in the underground maze looking for the Phantom. If something happened to you while we're gone..." "I..." You search for the words, but can't find them. "I have my own reasons, Raoul. I know what I'm asking is a little crazy, that it doesn't make much sense... But I have to be at the opera. It's important. Very important." "I only hope you think about your own safety above all else." His gaze locks onto yours, intense. "Whatever the reason that drives you to want to stay, you cannot put it above your well-being. Nothing is more important than you, ____." But... how could you give up your Angel of Music? "What is this secret that makes you so stubborn?" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable position, I really don't. It's just that I care about you." You shake your head slightly, refusing to answer, and the brightness in his eyes disappears. "There's nothing to hide between us, or at least that's what I thought." His voice is a murmur, almost to himself. "We trust each other completely, or at least we try to. But I know there's something you're not telling me, something important. I hope that someday you can trust me more, ____. I really do." He straightens up, regaining his composure. "There are still a few days left before the official investigation begins. Please think it over carefully. And whatever happens, don't put yourself in danger." "I am sorry..." The words get stuck in your throat. Hearing your apology, Raoul smiles slightly. "No need to apologize, ____." He turns around, heading for the door. "I'll go find the director to prepare for the closing of the opera." You are left alone in the dressing room, and in your mind there is only one plea, one silent prayer: you pray that the Angel of Music will appear soon, before it is too late. --- Raoul and the police conducted a preliminary investigation of the opera house, combing every accessible corner. But, except for the entrance to box number 5, they found no other relevant clues. In order not to alarm the Phantom and prevent him from fleeing or attacking, they only took note of the conditions of the underground area you had already explored together. They stopped the investigation at that point, preferring to draw up a more detailed and secure plan before going any further. Meanwhile, the opera house reopened its doors to the public, and with the new program came the moment of the dress rehearsal. You tell yourself that you have to get your emotions in order, put aside your worries and anxiety. You change your clothes, mechanically, to attend the rehearsal. The costume is ready, the makeup too. When you are about to leave the dressing room, when your hand already touches the doorknob, finally, at last, you hear that voice you have been waiting for so much. It floats in the air, like a caress. "_____, from what I see, you are completely ready for the show." "Angel of Music!" You spin around, searching for his invisible presence, your heart racing. "You finally showed up! You don't know how worried I was! I thought... I thought something had happened to you." "Please forgive my absence." His voice sounds tired, deeper than usual. "I've had some... minor setbacks that have kept me away. But the premiere of the next show is just around the corner, how could I not come to congratulate you, to wish you the best?" "I'm much more concerned about you than the show." The words come from your heart, unfiltered. "Are you okay? I won't let you fight whatever is troubling you alone again, Angel. I want to help you. Please, I beg you, tell me what I can do to ease your suffering. Let me share your burden." "Help me?" There is a hint of surprise in his voice, followed by a long silence. "Yes... I think you can help me in one way, yes. If you could..." His voice trembles, something unusual for him. "____, if, as you said before, you really want to help me... would you do anything for me? Anything I asked?" For some reason, the Angel of Music's voice sounds disconsolate, broken inside. His choice of words is also slightly different from usual, more direct, more... desperate. Perhaps it is a truly urgent situation? "Alright." You nod firmly, without hesitation. "I am willing to do whatever is in my power to help you, Angel. It is my duty, after all you have done for me." "Even... stay by my side forever?" The question floats in the air, charged with an intensity that startles you. "Of course!" The answer leaves your lips before you can think. "We'll always be by each other's side, Angel, as long as you don't leave me, as long as you need me." "____, it fills me with joy to hear you say those words." There is a deep emotion in his tone, almost human. "Don't forget what you just promised. Try to feel me, ____. You have to focus more on me, can you feel me?" You don't understand what the Angel of Music means, but you unconsciously scan your surroundings. You look through the mirror and realize that a silhouette is vaguely outlined. "Angel of Music, is that you?" "Tell me, can you feel me? What do you see?" His voice echoes in the room, bouncing off the walls. His soft murmurs draw you to the image in the mirror, and without being able to control yourself, you reach out and trace its outline. It's as if the mirror emits a warm, golden light that envelops you. Little by little, you move toward it as you lose control of your arms and legs. It's as if an invisible force is pulling you in, sucking you in. The surface of the mirror becomes ethereal, as if it were imbued with some kind of magic. What you touch does not feel like the surface of a mirror, but rather the calm backwater of a lake on a full moon night... "Ah!" The mirror suddenly spins, a whirlwind of light and darkness, and as if you were sucked into a vortex, you are immediately transported to the other side of the wall. You rub your eyes hard, again and again, trying to adjust your vision. It takes a while for your eyes to get used to the darkness, but when they do, horror hits you like a wave: you discover that you are in the underground labyrinth! A dim, faint light illuminates the damp, cold walls. You spin around in panic and desperately feel the walls. But you can't find a single crack or crevice. The entrance, the mirror, your dressing room... everything is gone. "Angel of Music, is that you? Where are you?" Your voice trembles, bouncing in all directions, multiplied by the echo. There is no answer. "Are you really... really the Angel of Music?" Silence. Only the distant dripping of water. Your legs tremble, threatening to give way. It is very dark, and the cold penetrates to your bones. You have only one option: to move forward, leaning on the wall, step by step, until you find a light, an exit, anything. You grope your way forward, following the course of the canal. Fear overwhelms you, clouding your mind. You can barely keep calm, taking deep breaths over and over again. You keep telling yourself not to get nervous, that there must be a solution, that you will find a way out. You have to find it. The winding path seems endless. You don't know how long you've been walking, or how far you've gone. Time dissolves into the darkness. Disconsolate, on the verge of collapse, you stop in the middle of the path. Suddenly, a strange scent floats toward you. Your eyelids become heavy, your mind clouds over... you begin to lose consciousness. In the distance, you hear footsteps. Slow, deliberate, approaching. "Who...? Who are you?" You manage to stammer, dazed, your tongue tied. You see a tall, imposing shadow emerging from the shadows in front of you... You try to focus your eyes to see who it is, but your head feels heavier and heavier, as if it were filled with lead. Your limbs suddenly lose all strength, as if a puppeteer had cut the strings. When you are about to fall to the ground, when your legs can no longer support you, you feel two strong arms holding you, enveloping you, preventing you from collapsing...