The Phantom Ascending |✔| [Phantom of the Opera Fanfiction]

An Overdue Visit

Author's Note: I did a tiny, tiny retcon, and I hope my regular readers will forgive me. Basically, I decided I'm more comfortable after all if my Erik doesn't share the last name with the horror 1989 version of the Phantom of the Opera. So, I'm changing the surname from Destler to Dessler. Sounds nearly the same, right? ;)

*tiptoes away from the stage*

🎼 🎼🎼

22nd February, 1873

Dear Mr. Manelli,

The whereabouts of Miss Daae's kidnapper remain unknown, so I would instruct you once again to maintain the highest level of caution.

How does miss Daae fare? Did her fever pass? If you need anything from her house, send forth your maids between nine o'clock and noon tomorrow — the housekeeper will be present to let them in and assist them.

Your obedient servant,
E. D.

~

24th February, 1873

Dear Mr. Dessler,

Miss Daae is still asleep most of the time, and her fever still runs high, although it seems to be getting better.

The doctor has warned us that this could turn to pneumonia, but luckily so far it doesn't seem to be the case. He prescribed willow bark tea, soup, cold compresses, and a lot of sleep and rest.

I hope this won't be indelicate of me to say, but my wife tells me that Miss Daae called out your name once in her fever. Are you sure you don't wish to visit? We will gladly welcome you, and with the full household, your visit would be most appropriate.

Sincerely,
Cesare Manelli

~

28th February, 1873

Dear Mr. Manelli,

Perhaps in due time. Until then, I trust you can take good care of our shining soprano.

I remain your obedient servant,
E. D.

~

7th March, 1873

Dear Mr. Destler,

Your drawing of the attacker made the rounds in La Fenice, and a couple of stagehands remember seeing him inside the theater last December. They had thought him a temporary help, so no one reported anything out of place.

I will try to learn more, but judging from his accent, Venetian-born stagehands who talked to him said he sounded Italian.

I am also happy to report that miss Daae is feeling better and has been awake for the better part of yesterday. Unfortunately, she did not disclose anything that might help us track down the villain. She says it amused him to leave her in the dark regarding his motivations.

I wish we knew his name. It is so very tedious and melodramatic referring to him as The Villain all the time.

Miss Daae also wondered when she will move back to her home. The doctor suggested she stays here for at least one week more, to prevent illness from returning, but honestly, we don't mind having her even longer, if she agrees.

Sincerely,
Cesare Manelli

I pushed away the letter and stared through the window. Christine's absence made my heart ache constantly. I couldn't remember anymore how it was before. How did I ever manage to withstand nearly two years without her?