𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐌𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐔𝐒, ˡᵒᵘⁱˢ ᵗᵒᵐˡⁱˢᵒⁿ

𝐕𝐈𝐈. 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐘

after seeing louis unexpectedly yesterday, i realized i needed to unwind. the only sense of comfort i could rely on was my mum, so i called her to hang out.

she's always the one who knows how to bring me back to earth when i'm floating too high with my thoughts. we planned a walk through town, followed by lunch at our favorite cozy café.

it was late winter, the sky a soft, dull grey with a cold bite to the air, but i didn't mind. i wrapped myself in a brown and white scarf that i adored, paired with a black set, my trusty leather jacket, tights, and boots. sure, it was freezing out, but i had a million layers on. i looked chic and warm. well, mostly.

mum pulled up outside the cottage in her usual comfy sweater and jeans, her face lighting up as soon as she saw me. "you're all bundled up!" she said with a smile, pulling me into a warm hug. "ready for our day?"

"i'm always ready for a day with you," i beamed, hooking my arm through hers as we started down the street. the chill in the air was bracing, but i loved it. it made everything feel fresh, like anything could happen.

"it's such a good day! the air smells so crisp, and the city is always so charming in winter. don't you think? even though it's cold, there's something so alive about it. it's like the world is resting but still moving at the same time. i love it."

she chuckled softly, shaking her head at my excitement. "you always find a way to make everything sound so lovely."

"because everything is lovely, mum! even the tiniest things. like, look at that tree over there! the one with the frost on the branches. isn't it just beautiful? i mean, it's the little details that make life magical, don't you think?" i twirled a little as we walked, letting the cold air brush against my cheeks, making them rosy.

"you're such a sweetheart, imogen," she said, her voice full of affection. "it's nice to see someone who finds the beauty in the everyday."

"well, why wouldn't i?" i replied, grinning. "life is full of beautiful moments if you just stop to notice them. like this—right now—walking with you, the air crisp, the world so still. it's perfect. even the cold makes me feel alive. it's like the universe is giving us a little nudge to appreciate things more, don't you think?"

as we strolled through the city, the festive lights from the holiday season were still twinkling in some windows, adding a little extra warmth to the cold day.

the town was quiet, and the sound of our boots on the cobblestones was almost rhythmic. i felt at peace, the way i always did when i was with mum.

"you've been busy lately," she said after a moment. "i'm glad you're taking some time to slow down."

"oh, i know," i sighed, but even then, i couldn't help but smile. "it's just, i get so caught up sometimes. there's always so much to do, and then..." i hesitated for a second before continuing, "i saw him again."

mum gave me a curious glance. "the same one you shared the cigarette with? louis?"

i had to message mum about it after we shared that cigarette.

i nodded, looking down at the cobblestones as we walked. "yeah. i wasn't expecting it, but there he was, just hanging out with friends, in my art studio . it's like the universe keeps throwing him into my path, you know? it's so strange, but in a way, it feels kind of... exciting?"

"sounds like you're overthinking it," she teased lightly.

i laughed, my voice ringing out in the quiet. "maybe, but i can't help it! i mean, don't you think sometimes things happen for a reason? like, maybe i'm supposed to run into him. maybe it's fate or something. you know, like in those rom-coms where everything is connected, and you just have to pay attention to the signs?"

mum smiled, her arm still hooked through mine. "you're always so positive, imogen. it's one of the things i love about you. but not everything's a grand sign from the universe."

"oh, i know, i know!" i said, practically bouncing in place as we walked. "but isn't it fun to think it could be? like, maybe we're all just part of some beautiful, cosmic plan, and the universe is guiding us toward the people we're meant to meet. i mean, who knows! it's just... exciting to imagine. and even if it's not true, it makes life feel a little bit more magical."

"you're such a dreamer," she said fondly, giving me a little squeeze. "but that's what makes you so wonderful."

we reached the café, and as we stepped inside, the warmth and smell of coffee hit us. i sighed happily, taking it all in. "this is the best place," i declared. "the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of quiet chatter—it's like comfort in a cup. i swear, if everyone took a moment to just breathe and enjoy moments like this, the world would be so much kinder."

we found a table by the window, and as we sat down, i couldn't help but glance out into the street. and that's when i saw him.

louis.

again.

he was walking past with a group of friends, laughing at something someone said, completely unaware of me inside.

my stomach did a little flip, but i shook my head quickly, forcing myself to focus on the moment with mum.

"so," i said, turning back to her with a bright smile, trying to shake off the weird feeling seeing him gave me, "what do you think about soulmates?"

mum raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the sudden change in topic. "soulmates, huh? why do you ask?"

i shrugged, playing it off. "i don't know, i've just been thinking about it lately. like, do you think we're destined to meet certain people? or is it all just random?"

"i think," she began slowly, "that we make our own paths in life. but sometimes, we do meet people who feel like they're meant to be in our lives. whether you call that fate, or just luck, i don't know."

i nodded, still smiling. "i like to think it's a bit of both. like, we're meant to meet people, but how we connect with them is up to us. i think life's full of possibilities. and no matter what happens, we just have to spread kindness and enjoy life, because that's what really matters."

mum gave me a soft smile. "you've always been such a kind soul. don't ever change, my girl."

i beamed. "i won't! life's too short not to be kind, mum. and who knows? maybe the universe has a plan for me after all."