Death of a Bachelor (COMPLETED)

#52 Reborn in Red

Holidays — they had always held a special place in Simone's heart. Christmas lights twinkling along the rooftops, the comforting scent of Spanish foods and roasted chicken or pork in the air, the sound of laughter and music drifting from every street corner — it was magic. She loved everything about it, the food, the fireworks, the family gatherings, and even the chaos of last-minute gift shopping. December felt like the world was dressed up in joy.

But beneath that joy, she also carried quiet memories that never left her.

She could still remember the years when holidays weren't celebrated in the glow of fairy lights and warmth of home, but under the harsh fluorescent lights of a hospital room. The cold scent of antiseptic, the beep of machines, and the tight smiles from nurses doing their best to spread holiday cheer to patients and their families.

Simone could picture it clearly — her mother laying a small tablecloth over the side table in her hospital room, trying to make it feel like home. Her father arriving with a thermos of hot chocolate and a box of pastries. There were no grand feasts, no glittering tree, no fireworks — but there was love. Always love.

Even when she was weak, her body tired and her spirit shaken from rounds of treatment, they still found a way to celebrate. Her family would sit close around her, eating quietly and watching holiday movies on a small tablet. They held hands when midnight came, whispering "Happy New Year" through tears.

Those moments — as difficult as they were — made her love the holidays even more now. Because they reminded her how far she'd come.

But now, this year was different. This year, she had Lewis by her side — her partner, her love — and Lucien, their beautiful baby boy, who had brought a whole new kind of light into her life. Their little cottage in Dordogne was tucked away from the noise of the world, wrapped in the calm of the countryside.

Their Christmas morning started early, with the soft cooing of Lucien waking them just as the pale light of dawn peeked through the curtains. Lewis had scooped the baby into his arms and brought him into bed, where all three of them stayed bundled under the thick blankets.

Later, the fireplace glowed and Mila Christmas music blared—classic spanish holiday songs that Mila loved. Her voice echoed through the house as she sang loudly and proudly, not caring if she hit every note. What made it even more entertaining was Miguel, her husband, chiming in with playful ad-libs, changing lyrics, and adding dramatic flair to the chorus.

Simone and Lewis couldn't help but burst into laughter as they listened to the two.

"Oh my god, they've been like this since I was a kid" Simone whispered with a grin, and after that she started sniffing she even sniffed Lucien "Smell really good, right? It's that you Lulu?"

She took another deep breath, this time catching the savory scent of garlic, onions, and slow-roasted herbs drifting into their bedroom. Her mouth watered.

Lewis nodded, he stretched briefly, then walked over to the bedroom door.

"They're already cooking" he said as he opened it, the music and sizzling sounds from the kitchen growing louder. "Smells like something delicious."

He gave Simone a quick wink before stepping out and making his way down the hallway toward the kitchen.

When he arrived, the sight made him smile instantly. There he saw Mila, wearing an apron decorated with reindeer, waved a spoon in the air like a microphone as she continued to sing and stir a pot on the stove. Miguel stood beside her, tossing vegetables into a tray while tapping his foot to the rhythm.

Lewis stood at the doorway, watching them with an amused smile. The room felt alive — not just from the heat of the cooking but from the energy of a family that loved each other deeply.