| “Voices” Entr’acte: In the weeks following the disaster the Opera was closed, sparing me the pain involved in returning to the building. Even after it reopened I stayed away. No one pressured me to return, understanding that I did not want to, but ignorant of my reasons. I couldn’t go back there, that place that was Erik’s domain, his kingdom, my heart seemed to forbid it. I had betrayed him and I did not feel I had the right to ask his forgiveness. I had the tear-drop crystal made into a pendant, so that it was always near me. When Raoul asked to marry me I gave no answer, not wanting to say yes, but knowing I could not say no. He put the ring on my finger and walked away, claiming me like some prize he would collect at some future date. Later I took the ring and hung it with the crystal. A token for each of them, it remained to see whose I would hurl into the Seine when it was all over. Eventually though, I grew tired of the inactivity and knew I had to go back. New Year’s was the time for new beginnings and the date I fixed for my return. The night of the Masquerade ball was the first time I would enter the repaired Opera. It had been six months, but I was finally ready to walk within its walls again. |
| On to Act Two Sorry, not ready yet! |