Chapter 10 - New Beginnings
Two years later, the stone cottage by the sea was no longer quiet. It was filled with the sound of laughter, music, and the smell of fresh bread.
Thomas and Élise had married in a small, private civil ceremony on the beach, attended only by her parents and their daughters. Chloé and Sarah were inseparable, treating each other like real sisters, their shared experiences of loss creating a deep, unbreakable bond between them.
Julien had moved to another part of France, trying to rebuild his life in obscurity. He wrote to Chloé regularly, sending gifts, but he respected the boundaries Élise had set. He had finally grown up, but it had cost him everything.
One bright morning in May, Élise stood in her garden, watching Chloé and Sarah fly a kite on the beach below. The wind was strong, lifting the colorful nylon bird high into the blue sky.
Thomas walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. "What are you thinking about?" he asked softly.
Élise placed her hands over his. "I was thinking about how dark the tunnel was. And how I never thought I’d see the light again."
"And now?"
May you like
Élise turned around in his arms, looking into his kind eyes, then down at her growing belly. She was four months pregnant with a little girl. It had been a terrifying decision to try again, but with Thomas by her side, the fear had transformed into hope.
"Now, the light is everywhere," Élise whispered.
