𝕸𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖓𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖐: 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕺𝖓𝖊

Echoes of the Opera House (ɴᴏᴛᴇꜱ/ᴘᴏᴏʀ ꜰᴏᴏʟ ʜᴇ ᴍᴀᴋᴇꜱ ᴍᴇ ʟᴀᴜɢʜ)

Océane closed the door of her room, behind her, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings. The soft glow of candlelight bathed the space, casting gentle shadows on the walls adorned with delicate paintings. She longed for a moment of respite, a chance to reflect on the forbidden collaboration that had unfolded in the depths of the Opera House. But sleep eluded her as her mind continued to wander, consumed by thoughts of the Phantom. Océane checked the time and it read 1 in the afternoon and Océane had barely slept a thing.

Restlessly, Océane paced the room, her mind replaying the haunting melodies she had shared with the Phantom. The music danced in her memory, weaving a tapestry of emotions.

Just as she began to settle into a semblance of calm, a sharp knock at her door startled her from her thoughts. Madame Giry's voice pierced the silence, filled with urgency. "Océane, wake up! We have much to do before the performance this evening."

Océane sighed, her hopes of finding some kind of sleep shattered by the demands of her role. She quickly composed herself and opened the door, her eyes meeting Madame Giry's stern gaze. "What is it, Madame?"

Madame Giry wasted no time, her voice brimming with purpose. "Christine has gone home to rest, and we couldn't afford to waste time. We must continue to rehearse the opera 'Il Muto' , and we must ensure the cast is ready by 7'o clock tonight. I need you to step in and rehearse with the rest of the orchestra."

Océane's curiosity was piqued. "Madame Giry, may I ask what happened to Christine? Why did she leave?"

Madame Giry's eyes narrowed, a veil of secrecy falling upon her face. "That is none of your concern, Océane. Your role is to focus on your violin and perform your part flawlessly. As for Christine, she will return when she is ready."

Intrigued by Madame Giry's cryptic response, Océane nodded. "Very well, Madame. I will do my best to assist you in Christine's absence."

Océane sensed that there was more to the story, but she knew better than to press further. With a nod, she grabbed her violin and followed Madame Giry down the dimly lit hallways towards the rehearsal room.

The orchestra was a bustling hive of activity, musicians tuning their instruments and adjusting their sheet music. Océane took her place among them, her violin cradled in her arms. As the Monsieur Reyer signaled for the rehearsal to begin, the room was filled with the harmonious sounds of the orchestra, carrying the weight of anticipation.

Under Madame Giry's watchful eye, Océane played with unwavering focus and precision. Her fingers danced across the strings, coaxing haunting melodies from her instrument. She poured her heart into the music, drawing from the depths of her soul, finding solace in its familiar embrace.

As the rehearsal progressed, Océane couldn't shake off her curiosity about Christine's sudden absence. She stole glances at Madame Giry, hoping for a hint or a slip of information, but the ballet mistress remained stoic and guarded.

After hours of rigorous practice in the early, Madame Giry finally called for a break, dismissing the orchestra to rest. Océane, however, lingered behind, determined to uncover the truth.

"Madame Giry, please," Océane pleaded, her voice filled with a mix of desperation and curiosity. "I sense there is more to Christine's absence than you are willing to share. She is my friend, and I worry for her well-being."

Madame Giry's gaze softened for a moment, a flicker of sympathy crossing her features. "Christine has faced a great ordeal, one that I cannot disclose. It is a matter of her own choosing to leave, to find solace and heal. She will return when the time is right."

Océane could sense the weight of unspoken secrets in Madame Giry's words, but she knew she had reached the limit of the ballet mistress's willingness to share. With a heavy sigh, she accepted the partial truth and resolved to focus on her own role in the opera.