Pierre

You were returning home late in the evening. You'd been very busy at the bakery that day, and late customers had kept you waiting. Finally, after saying goodbye to the baker and leaving the shop, you breathed in the fresh night air.

“Finally... I was almost thinking I’d have to spend the night there,” you muttered under your breath, heading towards the house.

The streets were deserted. A few dim lights still glowed in the few windows, and the streetlights on the buildings had already gone out. The streets of Paris were lit only by the moonlight and the dim light from the windows. Fortunately, you didn't have far to go, so you quickened your pace to get home as quickly as possible.

As you passed Notre Dame Cathedral, you suddenly heard a melodious sound. "Strange, the evening service should have ended a couple of hours ago. Is there anyone still there?" you thought to yourself. Curiosity got the better of you and you walked closer, cracking the cathedral's massive door. It was dark inside. Only a few candles were burning low from the last service, and moonlight filtered in through the ornate windows.

You stepped inside, and the heavy door slammed behind you. The music stopped, and everything suddenly became silent. You froze, afraid to even move. A minute passed, then two… But nothing happened, and you exhaled a little. Moving deeper into the cathedral, you reached the statue of the Virgin Mary. Crossing your arms over your chest, you felt it necessary to say a short prayer. Looking up at the statue, you suddenly turned pale. It was looking at you.

You couldn't even look away and when someone touched your shoulder, you almost passed out from fear.

"Mademoiselle, are you all right? I was sure there shouldn't be anyone in the cathedral at this hour."

A low voice came from behind you. You slowly turned and saw a man holding a candelabra. In the dim candlelight, you saw his face and thought he was probably a cathedral official. Noticing your dismay, he smiled wearily.

"Don't worry, I'm just the organist. Um... Sorry, I didn't introduce myself. I'm Pierre André, organist at Notre Dame Cathedral."