Timeless Calling: Steel Beams & Sweet Dreams

Chapter 2

I couldn't help but smile as I got up, and the people in the house started to notice. They said there was something different about my aura today. Thankfully, when I got home around three in the morning, my parents were already asleep, so there was no interrogation when I arrived.

As I came down the stairs, I immediately heard Mom's voice, "Sweetheart, don't forget, it's spa day today."

Oh, right! Spa day! Our monthly bonding, which is non-negotiable.

"Yes, my," I replied with a smile.

My happiness only grew, knowing it was a day of pure self-care with no stress.

Upstairs, I quickly got ready.

When we arrived at our favorite aesthetic clinic, the staff greeted us warmly. We started with a facial. The warm steam on my face felt so relaxing, and the therapist's gentle massage as she cleansed my skin was heavenly. I even dozed off while she applied the cold mask. After the facial, we moved to the massage room.

After our relaxing spa session, Mom and I went to our favorite French restaurant for a meal.

As soon as we stepped inside our favorite French restaurant, I was greeted by the rich aroma of freshly baked bread mingling with the subtle scent of herbs. The dim, warm lighting cast a cozy glow over the elegant interiors—chandeliers with crystal droplets hung from the ceiling, their soft sparkle reflecting off the polished wooden tables below. Plush velvet chairs in deep maroon lined the walls, creating a sense of intimacy in the bustling yet refined atmosphere. Soft classical music played in the background, adding to the romantic ambiance of the place.

We were quickly seated at our usual table by the window, where the view of the city lights flickered in the distance. The waiter, a tall man in a crisp black suit, handed us the leather-bound menus with a polite smile. The pages were filled with mouthwatering descriptions of the day's specials, each dish more tempting than the last.

Mom, with her usual confident flair, flipped through the menu with ease, her eyes lighting up as she picked out her choice. "I'll go with their steak, darling. It's always perfect," she said, a twinkle in her eye.

I smiled, knowing exactly what I wanted. "Same! And I'll have crème brûlée for dessert. It's the best here." I could already picture the golden, perfectly caramelized top, and the creamy custard inside.

The waiter returned promptly, taking our orders with a gracious nod. As he walked away, we leaned back in our chairs, sipping on our water and chatting casually about everything and nothing. Mom asked about my school, her voice warm and interested as we talked about upcoming exams and plans for the summer.

When the food finally arrived, the sight of the perfectly cooked steak, the juicy, tender meat topped with a dollop of garlic butter, was enough to make my stomach growl in anticipation. The truffle fries, crispy and golden brown, filled the air with their rich, earthy aroma, while the roasted vegetables—caramelized to perfection—looked like tiny works of art on the plate.

We dug in immediately, savoring each bite, and I couldn't help but smile at the way Mom's eyes sparkled with joy as she savored her meal. She was clearly enjoying every morsel, taking slow, deliberate bites to make the experience last.

Once we'd finished our steaks, we ordered our dessert, eagerly awaiting the crème brûlée. When it arrived, it was everything I hoped for: the top was perfectly golden and cracked with a satisfying snap under the spoon, revealing the silky smooth custard beneath. With each bite, I closed my eyes, savoring the rich, sweet flavors that lingered on my tongue.

Before heading home, we made our usual stop at the salon, our go-to place for all things beauty. The moment we stepped inside, the familiar scent of fragrant shampoos and hair products greeted us, blending with the hum of quiet chatter and the soft whoosh of blow dryers. The salon had a sleek, modern design—high, polished mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the warm golden lights that bathed the space in a relaxing glow. Comfortable leather chairs in soft neutrals were arranged neatly, each station equipped with the latest styling tools.