You stay
where you are, hoping that Tatiana and Michael will find you. For all you
know that light could have been from the rat-catcher and you certainly
don't want to upset him! You continue feeling for a way out when you slip
and slide towards the wall feet first. A trapdoor opens and, covering your
head, you fall into another room. Michael is there kneeling over a dim
ball of light. The light flickers, sometimes going out all together before
coming faintly back. You move around to the other side and see a very still
Tatiana lying at his feet. You glance worriedly at Michael, his face is
twisted with concern. You know that something is very wrong.
"What happened?" you ask in a frightened voice.
Michael shakes his head in vague disbelief.
"I didn't think anything would happen... I thought they," he
motions at the fairy's wings, "were part of the costume. I didn't know
she was telling the truth." He closes his eyes as you try to figure out
what he's trying to tell you. "He said she wasn't real, so it wouldn't
matter if I believed or not, but..."
Slowly you begin to understand. Tatiana was dying? Is it possible
that she is real? You have to admit that you don't exactly believe in fairies
yourself, but you believe in Erik. So is there really a difference?
"I have to do something," Michael continues, "but I don't know what."
If you remember how to revive the little fairy go to #26 If you are too grown-up to remember, move on to #27