Title: again
Fandom: Phantom of the Opera - Lloyd Webber
Rating: PG
Length: 100 words
Contents: let's say spoilers, just to be sure

Author's note: Inspired by the prologue to the musical: "A papier-mache musical box in the shape of a barrel organ; attached, the figure of a monkey in Persian robes, playing the cymbals..."

Summary: "She often spoke of you, my friend: your velvet lining, and your figurine of lead."


The music box arrived for their eldest daughter's christening. Christine opened the dainty box and paused, fingers trembling. When she asked the guests which of them had brought it -- so that she might thank them properly -- none replied.

May your child be as blessed as your union, the card read, signed with a flourish that might have been an E, or perhaps an A, and nothing more.

Christine wept that night for the years she had believed her angel dead, his monstrousness faded in her memory. She believed them forgiven.

Raoul loaded his pistols and prayed she was not mistaken.