Instinct (English version)

Epilogue

Three years have passed since that tragic event. You have been able to get your life back together, between working and going out with your friends, despite the fact that you are still waking up sweating in the middle of the night because of nightmares that have kept haunting you since that notorious day.

During the first year that followed your adventure, you were a real "celebrity". Media picked up the story, relentlessly questioning you like starving wolves. All that bustle was not really good for you considering your trauma. But luckily, the world quickly got bored of your story, focusing on other events just as outrageous. Thanks to your family and you psychologist, you have been able to get yourself back on track. Now, few people attach importance to what you have been through. Apart from Johan, of course.

He was very aggressive towards the journalists, trying his best to protect your private lives -as well as your mental health. During interviews, he would always take the floor, sparing you the torture of remembering those painful memories. Once the press pacified, both of you went on separate ways to start a new life. You have not heard from him for nearly two years.

You are peacefully walking in a park, a few streets away from your apartment, during a beautiful autumn evening. The sun is setting on the horizon, painting the sky with gorgeous reddish and pastel pink hues. The leaves in the trees bordering the alley on which you are walking are gleaming with a soft orangey colour. Some sunbeams are getting through the foliage and illuminating your hair, creating an almost enchanted atmosphere. Children are running and having fun, runners are getting to know each other, and elderly people are talking on white wooden benches. Everyone seems to be having a great end of the day.

You are taking a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air. You usually go to this park. The great atmosphere that reigns in this magical environment relaxes you and frees you from the daily stress. Nothing could be better than this after a hard day of work!

You are greeting a group of young mothers next to the ice cream truck -some of them being your co-workers- when a huge Golden Retriever jumps on you. You almost tumble. The animal, who decided that you were his new friend, is giving you an enthusiastic welcome while happily barking. Amused, you are stroking the beautiful golden fur of this huge living toy.

"I'm sorry, Lucky's a little bit too happy today... Y/N? Is it really you?"

You would have recognised this voice anywhere. You raise your eyes, catching Johan's, and smile. You thought you would never see him again. His presence in this sweet evening is heart-warming.

You friend also seems happy to meet you. He has slightly shortened his hair since the last time, and a little black ring is now decorating his left ear. He still has the same impressive and emotionless aura, although he seems more welcoming than three years before. You would even say that his midnight blue hoodie makes him look incredibly sexy.

You both sit on a bench nearby, and talk about your new lives, while Lucky is rolling in the green grass. Johan tells you about his job as a business leader, his family, his recent move a few feet away from the park, and also about his dog that literally prevents him from having a semblance of love life.

"Last time I was talking to someone, he tried to take their pants off. I'm surprised he's good as gold with you!"

You burst out laughing as you hear this anecdote. Despite his adorable looks, Lucky is a real demon! You promise yourself to stay alert from now on.

The sun is slowly disappearing, while people are leaving the park. You have talked a lot. You are both silent, when Johan turns himself towards you, uncertain.

"And... You managed to live with that?"

You immediately understand the implicit in his question. You have a faraway look in your eyes as you think about all your friends who passed away three years ago. You quickly are overwhelmed by emotions. Those memories are still as painful as before. Because of your lack of answer, Johan stands up and faces you.

"Y/N, I know it's hard to think about them. But, after all these years, I've come to the conclusion that we must move on. Of course, we shouldn't forget our past, because it has made us who we are in the present, but we shouldn't let him haunting us ceaselessly. You must look towards the future."

And he is right.

Three years have passed since that tragic event. During this beautiful autumn evening, you encounter your past again. But you are not afraid anymore. You gently hold its hand, walking side by side on the path towards your vague future.

During this beautiful autumn evening, you and Johan are planning to see each other very soon. After all, didn't you promise Camille that you would take care of him?