His Music Her Voice

Abandoned

Cold. Tired. Hungry. Grief.

I feel all these things. I've been left with all these things. My parents have left me. They are now with the Angels above. My parent's last wish was for me to find their family friend; Madame Giry. How am I supposed to find her when I don't even know what she looks like? I've been walking for miles. My parents were buried in the earth only this morning. It's now starting to get dark. I'm only a child. I should be home, in the warm loving arms of my parents. 

Past

"My beautiful daughter. Your mother and I are very sick. I fear the medicine the doctors have now, is simply not strong enough to rid us of this sickness. We do not wish to leave you, but our time on this earth with you is coming to an end." Father said

"No, father you can't leave me. You both can't die. What am I going to do without you?" I cried

"My precious child. Promise me that you will never forget how much your father and I love you. We will always be with you, here in your heart. Your father and I have already made all the arrangements so you don't have to worry about a thing. After they place our bodies within the earth, you must travel to Paris to live under the care of our dear friend, Madame Giry." Mother said

"Who is she mother?" I cry

Mother wipes my tears and holds me tighter. "I went to school with her when I was a girl your age. We danced together on stage. Your father was in the orchestra pit. We were all close friends. When I married your father, we wanted to explore life. So we moved here, but we continued to write to her every day. She was here when you were born." Mother explained

"And she has graciously agreed to take care of you. She wished that we could all travel to her together for she was unable to make the journey here to get you. She is the head teacher for the ballerinas. She has promised to instruct you, so you can dance gracefully like your mother. On stage, we will be you. Never forget that we are always with you. If you find one day you can't feel our presence, to remind you, we will send you an Angel of Music. They will help guide you." Father said

Days later

I watched as they lowered the caskets containing my parents into the ground. People whom I didn't know came to grieve with me. I placed the roses before their stones. I hugged both to feel the warmth of my parents, but I was only met with cold in return. I was graced with the clothing on my back and precious trinkets left behind by my parents. 

"I promise, I will find Madame Giry. I promise to never forget your love for me. Mother, Father, please guide me to her. Help me find her." I plead. Wiping the tears away, I set off to find Paris and Madame Giry.

Present

Thinking of them, the tears fall down my face once again. I'm so lost. This town where I've found myself is so large. Maybe I can ask someone if they know the one I'm supposed to find. Look, there are a couple right now.

"Excuse me? I am lost. Is there a possibility that you know who Madame Giry is and where I could find her?" I ask

"Oh, honey what are you doing out here all alone?" the lady asked

"I've lost my parents and was instructed by them to find her. Please, do you know her?" 

"Fortunately for you, we know where she is. It's getting rather late. If we hurry, we can unite you two together before the Opera House doors close for the night." The man replied

They both held my hands and we began walking towards the Opera House. It seems mother and father have answered my prayers. They sent this couple to help me find Madame Giry. Hopefully, she is as nice as mother and father described her to be.

After walking for what seemed only a few short minutes, we arrived at this giant, beautiful building. We walk up the stairs and the man drops my hand to knock on the door. After a few minutes, the giant doors open. Behind them, a lady dressed in black appears with a lantern.

"What can I do for you?" She asks

"We brought someone who said she was looking for you, sent by her parents." The man said

"Come forth, child." 

The lady dropped my hand and gently ushered me towards the mysterious lady.

She kneels and looks into my eyes. "What is your name child?"

"Dany Courtet, Madame." I whispered

"Oh, my dear child. I'm relieved to see that you have found your way. I apologize for not being able to come get you myself." She said softly

"Wait. So that means, you're Madame Giry. My parent's friend?" I asked

"That's right. Thank you two for bringing her to me. I will see to it that she is fed and taken care of." Madame Giry explained to the couple.

"It was no trouble at all. We were more than happy to help her. Please excuse us, but we must return home now. Have a good night child." The lady said

"Good night." Madame Giry called out. Turning to me, she reaches her hand out to me. "Come child. Let us get some food in you, then we'll wash you up before getting you to bed."

My tummy is full and I'm bathed and dressed in a new night dress. Madame Giry is drying my hair. She is as gentle as my mother. 

"Madame Giry?" I ask

"What is it Dany?" she replied

"What were my parents like growing up here?"

"They were wonderful. We were all great friends. Your mother and I performed together while your father played the violin in the pit. He was magnificent and your mother so graceful. I see them both in you. And I'm sure they will be more present when you start dancing. Of course, I won't make you start tomorrow. I will give you a couple of days to learn the place and catch up on your rest and put some more meat on those bones." Madame Giry explained.

Madame Giry finished with my hair and brushed the tangles out. She lifted the covers and tucked me in. 

"Madame Giry, is it alright if I can have a candle lit?"

"Of course child. And if you need me, my room is down the hall a little on the left," she explained.

Once she closed the door, I watched the flame dance. My parents would always leave a candle for me. This whole time, I haven't thought much about them. I was focused on finding Madame Giry. How could I forget them so quickly? 

"Mother. Father. Forgive me. I didn't mean to forget you. I was so focused on finding her that I couldn't think of you. Please don't abandon me." I cried 

Suddenly, I hear the soft melody of the violin. Father played the violin. It's like he is here with me. He must be playing to let me know he and mother are here with me. The melody is so peaceful. My eyes are heavy. Darkness consumes me. 

"I will protect you"