The Book Thief and the Phantom

Two Hearts

I watched Erik cry in the snow, unsure of what to do. While it had been a heart-throbbing event for me as well, it was for a different reason.

I had to do something to comfort him.

I found my way to the door, and mechanically swung it open with a loud creak.

Erik looked up. He turned in my direction. He searched my eyes. All I had was sympathy, yet it seemed that he was looking for something else.

Once again the two weakling words stumbled and fell from my mouth into a pile at his feet.

"I'm sorry." the words seemed to follow me everywhere.

He stood and walked away. "You're not to blame." In his hand was the crushed petals of a rose.

I gave her my music, made her song take wing.

And now, how she's repaid me, denied me and betrayed me.

He was bound to love her, when he heard her sing.

I could hear him sob, yet made no move to comfort him now.

Christine, Christine.

Far away from us, I heard the couple's voices echo. The deadly memory returned to me. I winced at the voices.

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime.

Say the word and I will follow you.

Share each day with me, each night, each morning.

Erik scowled. He half shouted, half sang his anger.

You will curse the day you did not do!

All that the Phantom asked of you!