Between our hands

Chapter 27: Under the Rays of the New Day.

The morning slowly rose over the village, bathing each alley and rooftop in a warm, golden glow. The first rays of sunlight, filtered through the thin curtains of Maëlle's bedroom, gently caressed her sleeping face with an almost imperceptible softness. The morning light, soft and soothing, slid through the semi-transparent draperies, projecting delicate patterns of light and shadow onto the walls and ceiling. These dancing shadows seemed to invite Maëlle to leave the world of dreams and embrace the reality of this new day.

With a slow and almost hesitant movement, Maëlle opened her eyes, her eyelids still heavy with fatigue and sleep. Despite the comfort of the sheets that enveloped her, her mind was already buzzing with ideas, projects, and unanswered questions. Each new day brought its share of challenges and discoveries, and today would be no exception. She gently sat up in bed, letting the warm sheets slide off her legs. The comforting warmth of the sheets, retained from her body, seemed to want to hold her back for just a moment longer before the day resumed its course.

The room was still filled with the soothing scents of the night. A faint, sweet smell of dried flowers lingered, subtly mixing with the fresh breeze that entered through the slightly open window. The air had that particular softness of late summer mornings, cool but already promising growing warmth. The scents blended harmoniously, creating an atmosphere of serenity and calm that wrapped around Maëlle like a soft, protective embrace.

She finally got up, her bare feet touching the cool floor, a sudden contrast that brought her back to reality. Her feet, usually accustomed to the warmth of the sheets, shivered slightly at the touch of the wooden floor. Maëlle stretched long and deeply, taking a deep breath to absorb all the energy of this new day. In front of the mirror, she observed her reflection: her features were marked by fatigue, but there was a spark of determination in her eyes. She slipped on a light, flowing dress, suitable for the growing heat of the day, choosing an outfit that allowed her to move freely while remaining elegant.

When Maëlle stepped out of her bedroom, she was greeted by the soft morning light that bathed the village. Every house, every tree, every cobblestone path seemed wrapped in a golden glow, as if the world were taking a deep breath before launching into the activities of the day. The air was filled with various fragrances: the aroma of still-damp earth, blooming flowers near the houses, and the more subtle scent of the sea, distant but ever-present. This mixture of scents evoked peaceful mornings spent in the countryside, a time in her life when the days were simple, and dreams were endless.

Ely and Summer, her faithful dogs, came to greet her with contagious enthusiasm. Their excitement contrasted with the tranquility of the morning, their joyful steps barely disturbing the village's calm. Maëlle smiled as she watched them run around her, exploring every corner and crevice with boundless energy. Samy, her bodyguard, was already waiting for her at the estate's entrance. Dressed in his usual sober suit, he seemed more attentive than usual, his eyes scanning the surroundings with heightened vigilance.

Maëlle gave him a discreet nod, signaling that they could begin their walk. Together, they walked through the picturesque streets of the village, Maëlle holding her notebook tightly against her. Every detail of the landscape caught her attentive eye: the houses with cracked facades, the roads warped by time, the children playing with worn-out toys. She noted everything carefully, her mind bubbling with ideas, searching for solutions and innovations to improve this charming but still imperfect place.

The smells floating in the air were rich and varied: freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries, ripe fruits from market stalls, mixed with the more pungent aroma of smoke rising from the chimneys of houses. This rich, evocative blend of aromas reminded Maëlle of a simpler time in her life, when days were spent exploring fields and rivers, far from the worries of adulthood.

Maëlle walked with determination, absorbed in her thoughts and observations. Yet she sensed, without directly looking, Samy's constant presence. He was always there, at a respectful but attentive distance, his eyes following her every movement. His curiosity was palpable, even though he tried to remain discreet. He observed each stroke of her pen on the paper, each detail of the village she noted with an almost obsessive concentration.

Suddenly, Maëlle broke the morning silence with a question. "You seem particularly curious about what I'm writing, Samy. What intrigues you so much?" She looked at him with a soft and sincere smile, inviting him to share his thoughts.

Samy, slightly surprised by the direct question, straightened slightly. "I’m just observing... you're so focused. I was wondering what you had in mind."

Maëlle then handed him her notebook, inviting him to take a look. The pages were filled with detailed sketches, precise lists, and innovative ideas to improve the village. Samy leafed through the notes with growing fascination, his face gradually relaxing as he grasped the ingenuity of Maëlle's ideas. He looked up at her, visibly impressed. "You’re really thinking about all this for us?"

"Yes," she simply replied, a sincere smile on her lips. "I really want to understand what the people need, not just impose ready-made solutions. It’s important for me to grasp the subtleties of your daily life to bring improvements that are truly beneficial to you."

Their dialogue, once formal and distant, gradually became more fluid and natural. They exchanged ideas, discussed possible improvements for the village with increasing ease. Samy, initially reserved, began expressing his own observations and suggestions. Maëlle was touched by his discreet but sincere involvement, and each exchange enriched the projects she envisioned.

As they continued their walk, they arrived at a small picturesque square, where a charming café with colorful chairs and wrought-iron tables caught their attention. Maëlle smiled at the sight of this welcoming spot. "How about a break? I’ll treat you to a coffee."

Samy hesitated for a moment, torn between his duties as a bodyguard and his desire to share this moment with her. After brief reflection, he nodded with a shy smile, accepting the invitation.

The café exuded an intoxicating scent of freshly ground Arabica beans, mixed with that of local pastries. While waiting for their orders, Maëlle discreetly observed the passersby, mentally taking notes on the interactions and social dynamics she witnessed. Samy, on the other hand, gradually relaxed, his eyes occasionally meeting Maëlle's with newfound companionship and a more relaxed smile.

When Maëlle handed him a cup, their fingers briefly brushed, and an imperceptible shiver ran down Samy's arm. This contact, though simple and ordinary, awakened a soft and unexpected warmth in Maëlle, a closeness she hadn’t anticipated but welcomed with curiosity and interest.

Time seemed to slow as they exchanged smiles and more sincere looks. Each shared moment became more intimate, each smile more authentic. When they finally left the café, the sun was already higher in the sky, illuminating their path back to the palace with bright and radiant light. Maëlle found herself hoping that this fragile but promising connection could grow with time. Samy, walking by her side, felt a slightly lighter weight on his shoulders, aware that something had changed between them, whether in their relationship or in their mutual understanding.

As they arrived at the palace gates, they exchanged a final look, filled with unspoken promises and future possibilities. The day was coming to an end, but Maëlle knew it marked the beginning of something deeper and more meaningful. The world seemed to offer new perspectives, and each moment shared with Samy gave her a glimpse of what the future could be, enriched by more genuine relationships and more ambitious projects.