Children never made Erik very emotional. Most of the time, he was afraid to come near them, terrified of frightening them with his deformity, even if it was hidden under a mask. He didn't think children even liked him, though the few times he did encounter children, they stuck onto him like glue, knowing they were safe. No, children weren't at the front of his mind.

You were. His recently betrothed. Not long after your wedding, you moved beneath the Opera House to live with him, starting a new life. However, all plans of a life with only the two of you soon vanished when Erik discovered you were with child. A switch flipped.

Now that he was having to face the possibility of having a child, he was in full planning mode. Instantly, he went out and bought a cradle, diapers, bottles, and all the things you'd need to make yourself more comfortable, anything for the baby as well. His protective and possessive natures were cranked up double than he usually exhibited, even with you safe down below.

And then, your child was born. A little light had been lit inside him that day. It was as if his heart had doubled in size, filled with love for you and this child with no room for anything else. The two of you began a different sort of life: caring for a child.

The first few hours were tough for me. I was TERRIFIED. Terrified that something would go wrong, that the baby would become ill, but my worst fear was that you would fall ill, or die. Just thinking about it scared me senseless. Luckily, both you and the baby seemed to be doing well, so I instead took to letting you rest while holding the baby, taking in the moment. My child. My beautiful, wonderful, glorious child. A miracle. I knew that I wouldn't be perfect - but I would damn well try.

So began our parenting journey.