The Symphony of Sorrow

Unspoken Truths 2

"So, what is it that you want to say?"

Claudia hesitated, a myriad of emotions flickering in her eyes. "A lot of things, actually. I don't know where to start... Maybe with Lumière."

"Lumière?! You know him? How?" Raphael's voice betrayed his surprise.

"Yes, we know him... Nathaniel and I," Claudia began slowly, her gaze drifting to a distant memory. "In fact, we knew him before most of you did."

"That's... unexpected. Why haven't you mentioned this before? And surely Ethan would have more insight into this than me."

Claudia met Raphael's gaze squarely, her eyes telling tales of profound experience and loss. "No... it's not unexpected. Lumière has been here for a long time, building this place to shelter children who've endured more than most. He chose music as a refuge, perhaps to bury his own past and its wounds. He was like a father to me... I loved him..." A tear welled up, tracing a path down Claudia's cheek, prompting Raphael to move closer with tender concern. "We all loved him. He was a father figure to everyone here, and we all miss him deeply. Not just me, but every one of us... And if there's anything that proves that love, it's the way we still carry him in our hearts. If you need to cry, Claudia, go ahead. I'm here for you. And whenever you're ready to share more, I'll listen."

"No, I'll tell you everything tonight, now," Claudia asserted, wiping away her tears.

"Alright then, I'm listening."

"Before I continue, let me address your second question. I chose to confide in you because I knew you would understand. Ethan might react badly, might even refuse to hear me out after this. So, once we've talked, if you want, you can tell him. Maybe he'll listen better from you than from me."

Raphael nodded, his expression one of empathy and readiness to hear her story.

"When I first arrived in London, I was lost. Eight years old, alone, with no one to turn to, no money for food or shelter. That's when I met Nathaniel, just five years old but already streetwise. He sold stolen goods for food and sometimes performed on the streets. I can share more about my journey later if you're interested. But for now, let me tell you what's important."

Raphael remained silent, his eyes focused on Claudia, waiting for her to continue.

"A few months later, in July of two thousand and one, I met Lumière. He took Nathaniel and me under his wing. He was a father to us both. We lived together for a time—me, Nathaniel, young Leon, and several other children. I also met Sebastian... though he asked not to mention this. We spent a year together, and every night during that year, I fell asleep to the sound of Lumière's piano. On cold nights, his music wrapped me in a blanket of safety and peace, and on hot nights, his notes were like cool drops of water."

Claudia paused, her fingers nervously twisting her ring. Raphael sensed a shift in her demeanor but waited patiently for her to continue.

"Eventually, Nathaniel convinced me we could make it on our own without Lumière. I know you have questions, but there are things I can't say... but I'll share with you what I can. Nathaniel was Lumière's favorite at that time, along with his son Leon. Until Lumière pushed Nathaniel to learn the violin, Nathaniel never quite mastered it the way Lumière wanted. Over time, Nathaniel grew distant. I was too caught up in my newfound happiness to notice, finally feeling I had someone I could call father."

Father, mother, family... Words that resonate differently for each soul. A father who embraces a child's laughter, a mother cradling dreams in gentle hands, a family whose love weaves a tapestry that never frays. And for others, they are remnants of a past that smolders, leaving behind only ashes that scatter in the wind, echoes of pain and longing.