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Don't turn back.
The walls seemed to be getting thinner and thinner. Perhaps it was Raoul's mind playing with him. Just a few hours prior, he had run down this same passageway of the Opera House to save his Christine. It all felt so quick. Yet here they were, walking back up, and it felt like an eternity.
The Opera Ghost had made a deal with them that he and Christine were allowed to leave under the condition that Raoul would not turn around to look at Christine. She would return underground and live forever with the Opera Ghost if he did. The last thing Christine said to him before the walk began was, "We can do this."
It could not be this long. Just a little longer. Raoul would soon be back up and would be able to hold, comfort, and admire Christine. Or would he?
Don't turn back.
It seemed like he was walking in circles. The same brick wall with an occasional torch on the side and a small puddle of water on the floor. He had no idea when the last time he saw Christine's face was. Perhaps just a few minutes ago. Hours, days, or even months. He lost track of time. But all that comforted him was that Christine was behind him… right?
We can do this.
Those were the words Christine had said to him before they left. But why is it that they are replaying in his mind? Every time he reached another dark corner, a specific thought would flash in his mind. She was willing to spend the rest of her life with the Opera Ghost had it meant Raoul would live. It was to save you both. She loves you. That's why she is following you. But he did not feel a presence. He felt alone.
Don't turn back.
Is she there? Why would she follow me? What do I have to offer? He gave her music, a father figure and taught her to be what she had wanted since she was young. He gave her so much.
But he didn't offer freedom and love. You do. Keep going. We will be together soon.
Together… That's right. All he had to do was keep walking. But he could not hear any footsteps behind him. He stopped for a second and heard nothing. It would have taken her a few seconds to register that I had stopped. There would be an extra second of walking.
Is everything okay?
No, it isn't. Raoul kept walking, turning left upon a different corner. He wanted to catch even the slightest glimpse of Christine. He saw nothing. Just complete darkness. Where am I? Where is she? Don't turn back. She had to be behind him. She had to be. After months of being trapped and followed by the Opera Ghost, she would want to leave, she would follow him and leave behind the Phantom. But why would he set her free? Why would he willingly let her go after months of him watching us? I
I'm not sure. It's a trial. Raoul?
A trial. That's what it seems like. But why? Why would he go through all this trouble knowing that we could easily leave and never see him again? This wasn't a fair trial? It's a trap. Raoul's mind started racing. This was all a trap. Christine was still down there with the Opera Ghost. This was all a trap to make him walk out on his own so he could trap her for eternity.
Raoul? Can you hear me? I love you.
It's a trick. Everything was a trick. The Phantom had done all of this, planning it from start to finish. I must leave with Christine.
As Raoul looked up, he noticed, there is a light off into the distance. He's close. Just a few feet away. But no. He could not go through it, not without his Christine. He could not go into the outside world and leave her trapped out here.
We are almost there.
But I'm not. He can't leave. Not without the love of his life. Not without Christine. He can't live the rest of his life without his Christine.
Raoul, is everything-?"
He couldn’t keep walking. Raoul turned around. In that moment all he could do was stand there. He could not breathe. He could not think. All he could do is stare back at the dark eyes that stood before him. There she was; Christine. A gasp escaped her lips. Her eyes were wide, and he could see tears well up. "It's you." He croaked out. He had been talking to her the whole time. She had been there the entire time. Christine smiled, all while the look in her eyes stayed the same.
"It's me." They stared at each other for what felt like ages. Neither knew what to say or do. Christine ultimately spoke up, "Raoul." Raoul did not speak. All he could do was stand there, his mind racing with the fact that he just did what he swore not to do; turn back. He could feel tears flowing down his face. If the opera ghost was speaking the truth, this was the last moment he would ever see her. He finally spoke, "Christine." He reached over, hoping to hold her once more, but as his hand reached hers and his eyes opened, for the first time since the walk started, Raoul was now alone.