Finale
The lights nearly blind him.
They are cheering him.
Screaming, Bravo! Bravo!
The Phantom can still feel the music vibrating inside his chest, his mind. He stands before them. Alone. The cast has left him to be adored. Behind him, the red curtain seems to breathe.
A standing ovation.
He searches the first row for those blue eyes. His lover, his wonderful man, is on his feet. The Phantom acknowledges him with a subtle nod. I see you, Micah, my love. You are still the word only my heart knows how to say.
For a moment, the Phantom basks in the noise of the applause. Don Juan triumphant.
Then, slowly, he lowers his head.
The time has come.
After a while, the audience begins to simmer down.
But still, he does not move.
He waits.
He waits for the silence.
For only in silence,
