𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐆𝐀𝐈 :: paul lahote

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝓲𝓲.

ii. THE UNSEEN MOON.

FLEUR LOCKLEAR TOOK HER KEYS OUT OF HER POCKET, UNLOCKING THE FRONT DOOR OF HER HOUSE AND STEPPING INSIDE. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows dominate one wall of the living room, allowing ample natural light to flood the space while providing picturesque views of the lush, evergreen landscape typical of the region. The windows were framed with rich, dark wood that complements the greenery outside.

The living room featured a mix of contemporary and rustic elements. The walls are painted in a soft, warm grey, enhancing the room's bright and airy feel. A stone fireplace, the centrepiece of the living area, was flanked by built-in shelves filled with books, plants, and regional artwork. The fireplace, made from locally sourced river rocks, added a touch of rugged charm and served as a gathering point during the colder months.

The seating arrangement included a plush sectional sofa in a neutral shade, adorned with colourful, textured throw pillows that brought in pops of colour inspired by the natural surroundings. A reclaimed wood coffee table sat in front of the sofa, its surface decorated with a few artful magazines, a succulent in a ceramic pot, and a couple of candles. The area rug beneath the table featured a subtle geometric pattern in earth tones, tying the space together.

Adjacent to the living room was the open-concept kitchen, designed to be both functional and inviting. The kitchen island, with a sleek granite countertop, doubled as a breakfast bar with high-back stools made from polished wood and metal. Pendant lights with Edison bulbs hung above the island, providing a warm, ambient glow. The kitchen cabinetry was a mix of matte white and natural wood finishes, with modern, stainless steel appliances seamlessly integrated.

Open shelving displays a curated selection of dishware and glassware, while the countertops were kept mostly clear, save for a few essentials like a coffee maker, a wooden bowl of fresh fruit, and a small herb garden on the window sill. The backsplash was a striking subway tile in a deep forest green, adding a bold yet harmonious touch that echoed the verdant scenery outside.

Surveying her surroundings, Fleur exhaled a sigh of relief upon confirming her mother's absence from the house, or at least her presumed sleep. Carefully removing her shoes, she tiptoed, mindful of any noise that might disturb her mother if she happened to be home and resting.

Ascending the stairs, she relied on the wall for guidance in the dimly lit hallway. Upon reaching her bedroom door, she quietly opened and closed it behind her, ensuring minimal noise disturbed the silence.

Fleur's bedroom exuded a tranquil ambience with its creamy walls enveloped in earthy browns and complemented by subtle green accents. The warm tones of brown dominated the decor, from the wooden furniture pieces to the soft, woven rugs adorning the polished hardwood floor. A plush, sage-green throw draped across the bed added a refreshing pop of colour against the neutral backdrop. The curtains, made of a textured fabric in a shade reminiscent of tree bark, gently filtered the twilight, casting a serene glow throughout the room. Overall, the space offered a soothing retreat, blending natural hues to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

Fleur opened her closet and sighed softly. The constant relocation between houses every week was exhausting. She longed for a stable arrangement where she could live with her father during the weekdays and only visit her mother on weekends. The irony of her mother's fierce custody battle was not lost on her; despite fighting tooth and nail to win custody, which she eventually did, her mother remained largely absent from her life. Her father, on the other hand, had sacrificed his job and depleted his savings in a desperate attempt to gain custody. Despite her mother's persistent cruelty, she had begrudgingly agreed to a shared arrangement, allowing Fleur to stay with her father every other week—a compromise he accepted just to spend time with his daughter.