"This is my favorite time of the year."

"Really?" Raoul said. "I prefer spring. Flowers and sunshine."

"Darker days and longer evenings for me," said his companion. "And then there's nature's beauty..." Erik picked up a scarlet leaf and twirled it by the stem. "It comes in useful."

"Useful? How?" Raoul was puzzled.

"Close your eyes and I'll show you."

Raoul closed his eyes and heard a crunching noise, felt his collar tugged back, and then..."Why you...you...you put leaves down my shirt!" He said, trying to dislodge the offending items.

The opera ghost looked smug.