Death of a Bachelor (COMPLETED)

#53 Lights are on

February 25, 2025

Paris was cold, but it wasn't unpleasant. The sky above was painted with a mix of soft gray clouds and streaks of pale sunlight that filtered gently through the winter air. It wasn't raining - which, for a late February day, was something close to a miracle.

People moved along the cobbled streets wrapped in long coats, scarves tucked around their necks, hands buried in their pockets, walking briskly through the chilled but peaceful afternoon.

Inside the art studio, however, the warmth inside didn't quite reach Simone's heart. She stood near the tall windows that opened out to the narrow balcony, one hand gripping the metal frame, the other clutching the edge of her cardigan.

Her brow was furrowed with quiet worry as she stared up at the clouds, almost willing them to stay in place - to hold back the rain. Her lips moved in a soft whisper, as if sending a silent prayer to the skies above.

"Please... not today" she murmured, barely loud enough to be heard over the quiet hum of the city.

Behind her, Julien and Jordan sat on the old leather couch, watching her with a mix of amusement and concern. The two stared at each other and both shook their head.

"You know, you can't control the weather, right?" Jordan said gently, a teasing smile on her lips.

"Chill a bit, Si" Julien said as he sipped on his coffee.

Simone turned her head slightly, offering them a weak smile in return, but the anxiety didn't leave her eyes.

"I know" she replied, her voice soft, "But it's an important day. I don't want people to cancel just because of the rain. This is my first solo exhibition, what if no one shows up? What if-"

Julien stood up, setting his coffee cup down on the center table. He walked over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"They'll come" he said, reassuringly. "The invitations were sent, the museum is ready, and your work speaks for itself. Rain or no rain, people will come - because they want to see you. They want to see your art."

She nodded slowly, trying to stay positive, allowing Julien's words to settle in her heart. Then, almost instantly, her attention shifted as a soft whimper echoed from the far side of the room. She turned her head toward the sound and smiled instinctively.

Lucien.

Without hesitation, Simone quickly walked toward the crib tucked beside her desk -in a cozy little corner of her studio. She leaned over the wooden crib and saw her son blinking up at her, his tiny hands waving in the air, a gentle pout forming on his lips.

His dark brown eyes looking at her, he got Lewis long eye lashes "Hola mi bebé" she whispered lovingly, brushing her fingers gently across his chubby cheek. "Did you sleep well?"

Lucien cooed in response, his legs kicking under the soft blanket. Simone carefully lifted him into her arms, cradling his warm body against her chest. She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing in that comforting newborn scent - a mix of milk, lotion.

Despite the sleepless nights and early mornings, this was the part of her life she cherished most. Motherhood had reshaped her in ways she never expected. There were moments of exhaustion, yes, but they were always followed by moments like this - holding her baby close, feeling his tiny heart beat against hers.

He had woken up earlier than usual that morning - around 4:00 a.m., just as she was finishing the last few details of the paintings she planned to donate for her exhibition. Her body was tired, but she didn't mind. She stopped what's she's doing and she had rocked him back to sleep humming softly under her breath.