Between our hands

Chapter 87 : The Unbreakable Bonds

As the evening continued in a relaxed atmosphere, the conversations of the guests floated gently in the air. Maëlle, still sitting next to Sacha, felt overwhelmed by a wave of brotherly affection. She looked at her brother, his face slightly lowered, a thoughtful glimmer in his dark eyes. These moments, though peaceful in appearance, carried a subtle melancholy, born from significant changes. Deciding to break the silent distance that seemed to have settled between them, Maëlle took a discreet breath and placed a light hand on her brother's forearm.

“Sacha,” she began softly, searching for his gaze. “With everything that's going on right now... how do you really feel?”

Her voice betrayed a sincere concern, a worry deeply rooted in their bond. Sacha slowly raised his eyes to meet hers, surprised by the question. He remained silent for a moment, his lips tightening as he searched for his words, as if he hesitated to put complex emotions into simple phrases.

“Honestly, Maëlle...” he finally murmured, his deep voice tinged with an unusual vulnerability. “I feel a bit lost sometimes. It's hard to keep up with all these changes, and especially the fact that we’re not together as much as we used to be... I miss that, you know?”

He briefly looked away, as if to hide the emotion rising within him, but Maëlle perceived it clearly. A pang in her heart, she felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She knew their family dynamic had changed since they were thrust into this new environment, but she had not realized how much it was affecting Sacha.

“I’m sorry,” she replied softly, trying to catch his gaze again. “But you and Daniel still spend a lot of time together, right?”

Sacha nodded, a faint smile briefly lighting up his face. “Yeah, thankfully Daniel is here. We try to see each other whenever we can. But... even with that, something's missing. I miss you, Maëlle. And even though we know it’s for good reasons, it’s hard not having that closeness like before.”

Maëlle felt her heart tighten at his words. She moved closer to him, sliding a comforting hand over his arm, joining her hand with his. “I miss you too, Sacha. I miss both of you so much. I regret not being able to be more present.”

Sacha lowered his gaze, visibly touched by her words. “It’s just...” He paused for a moment, searching for his words. “Your absence is becoming difficult. I feel like the family is falling apart a bit with everything going on around us.”

Their eyes met, and Maëlle was struck by the sincerity of this confession. Their lives had indeed changed completely. The simplicity of the past, when they were inseparable, now felt like a distant memory.

Without saying a word, Maëlle leaned in and wrapped her arms around him, a gesture filled with warmth and comfort. They stayed like that for a long moment, the embrace silent yet heavy with meaning, as if it alone could fill the void that had separated them lately. The steady beating of their hearts seemed to synchronize in this moment of familial intimacy.

“I understand,” Maëlle whispered, her voice slightly muffled against her brother's shoulder. “I feel the same way. But you know, physical distance doesn’t change who we are. We will always be family, no matter what happens around us. I promise. I’ll do my best to ensure we have more moments like this, you and me, and with Daniel too.”

Sacha held Maëlle a little tighter, as if he were trying to hold onto this moment for a few more seconds. “Thank you, Maëlle,” he murmured, his voice calmer, soothed. “It feels good to talk about it. I know things will get better with time.”

They slowly released each other, both feeling some of the emotional weight dissipate, leaving space for mutual comfort. Sacha's expression seemed more serene, even if it was still tinged with a certain melancholy.