CROWN PRINCE | LES MISÉRABLES

78.

I woke up in the middle of the night. The night was cold and I missed Bastien's embrace. I looked around the room. I could see nothing. But when my glance moved to the mirror, I saw a silhouette, a familiar one. I stumbled out of bed, slowly walking toward the mirror.

"My love."
"Bastien.", I gasped.

He was in my mirror. I had to stay quiet. Timothy was asleep after all.

"Don't scream. It's me. I am so glad to see you again.", he said.
"I-I-no-rewind. What is going on? You're dead."
"Yes, I am. Aren't you happy to see me?"
"Of course I am. You have no idea how much I miss you.", I whispered, touching the mirror glass.

"Believe it or not, I am always close to you. I continue to live in your heart. In our son. Our memories. I will never be gone, unless you forget me.", he said.

"I could never forget you."
"You must promise me something: eat and give birth to our baby."
"I promise. It's just so hard without you."
"I know. But you have to push through. We will always be together. And I will be there when you finally decide to join me.", he said.

I felt his touch on my cheek. By the time I blinked he was gone. The last thing he said to me was an I love you. I began to cry. I must've imagined it. I missed him too much. This conversation couldn't happen.

But something deep down inside of me knows that it was real. I felt that touch. It was real. I got back into bed and felt a familiar warmth in my heart. Something I haven't felt for some time now, to be honest, since Bastien has left this world.

That warmth was real. I felt like all my problems were lifted off my chest. I could fall asleep.

***

"Mama, Papa was in my dreams and he told me he loved me.", Timothy said.
"He did?"
"Yes. I told him I loved him too. I miss him."

"I miss him too. But I promise that he will always be with us. In our hearts, in our memories, and our stories.", I explained.

He nodded and hugged me. Timothy would finish up and get ready for these tutor lessons. I walked to the ballroom. It was silent and the sun reflected on the huge mirrors on the wall.

I twirled around, imagining our last dance together. I had to smile for the first time since his passing. I laughed while falling to the ground.

I stared at the ceiling, imagining a beautiful, sunny day with Bastien right beside me. Because he always was and always will be.