The Phantom's Melody (The Phantom of the Opera)

30. Epilogue

Six Months Later

The Opera Populaire had been on the front of every newspaper in Paris after the events that occurred surrounding the Phantom of the Opera. Monsieur Firmin and Andre covered up any foul play regarding the incident and Raoul, with the help of his money, silenced the people in attendance that night. After all, who would believe an Opera Ghost was responsible for burning down the famed opera house?

No one knew if they were going to rebuild. But if I had to guess, Firmin and Andre were going to distance themselves as far away from the Opera Populaire as they possibly could. I can't say I blame them.

After that fateful night, I used what little funds I had saved from my time working there as a ballerina and chorus girl to pay for a loft in the city until I could find another place of employment. I was sure that with some of my talent I might be able to acquire a spot at another opera house in France. Though part of me wasn't sure if I really wanted to return to the performing arts. I had tried my best to bury the memories of what happened, but I couldn't seem to forget. Not when I was lying in my bed at night, his voice an earworm in my mind and in my dreams.

Christine and Raoul had finally married, deciding to move off to a lovely estate in the country. I wrote to Christine every now and again, but eventually communication between the two of us ceased. She was married and starting a family of her own, while I on the other hand was still very much hung up over that masked man who had walked through both of our lives.

Madame Giry, from what I heard, had found residence at an opera house about thirty miles west of Paris in Versailles. She moved there with her daughter, taking her as far away from the Opera Populaire as she could get.

And Erik? Well, I didn't know where he went. Ever since his disappearance that night, I hadn't been able to find him. I had visited the ruins of the Opera Populaire on more than one occasion, but I was only met with a cold and empty silence.

I missed him a lot. More than I should, maybe. But every time I sang and danced, or heard the sweet melody of a piano, I could only ever think of him. It hurt more than I could ever explain, but if Erik didn't want to be found...then maybe I just had to stop looking. I knew if he was here, he would only think it silly of me to be so hung up over him.

The wind blew through my hair, tossing the curls back out of my face as I approached the Opera Populaire, looking up at its burnt and crumbling ruins. No one ever came here, either because of the ghost stories or because they simply didn't care to. I walked inside through the front doors, letting my gaze sweep over the once grand foyer and staircase that sat as a welcome to all the guests who entered. Memories flashed through my mind, a smile falling over my lips when I remembered the Phantom's notes that pretty much drove everyone mad. It seemed like such a long time ago.

I navigated my way through the rubble, ignoring the chill that left goosebumps on my skin. I stepped over the fallen rafters, making sure my skirt didn't get caught on any of the debri. After stumbling and almost falling a few times, I finally reached the stage where remnants of the chandelier still lied. Glass and ash coated the ground, making it difficult to even walk across the once glorious stage.

I looked out at the auditorium, imagining the chairs filled with an audience that clapped and cheered as we performed. I smiled a bit to myself, removing the shawl around my shoulders before spinning myself across the stage. My skirt twirled with me, my hair bouncing on my back as I leaped into the air and spun myself around once more.

It was only when I heard the sweet sound of music enter my ears that I froze, stopping completely as I looked around, puzzled by the song that now echoed off the walls. It was a soft melody, one I had only heard once before during a very special waltz.

A smile spread across my lips wider than it ever had before, my eyes lighting up with delight. "My Opera Boy."

The End

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So that's my fan fiction everyone! To anyone who read this far, thank you so much! I've been working on this for four years and put a lot of effort into it so I really hope you found some enjoyment as a Phan. <3 Who knows, if it gets enough love I might even write a sequel. ;)

Again, thank you so much! <3 <3 <3