As we lazily strolled through the charming streets of Saint Germain des Prés the golden sun cast a warm, mellow glow on the cobblestone pathways, aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the faint scent of cigarette smoke, a nostalgic reminder of Renee. Locals and tourists alike sat leisurely, engrossed in conversations or lost in thought, the clinking of cups and saucers a gentle symphony of Parisian life. Of our life.

As we walked, I stole glances at Tina’s profile, taking in every detail – the curve of her lips, the twinkle in her eyes, the way her hair danced in the breeze. The familiarity of her touch – her hand in mine – brought a sense of comfort, a reminder that I was not alone in this journey.

The world seemed to slow down, time stretched to accommodate the depth of our connection. ´Do you still like living here in Paris?’ I asked her.

’Are you crazy? I can’t imagine living anywhere else.’ She answered, holding my hand tighter. We past narrow alleys and hidden courtyards that whispered secrets of the past, offering glimpses into a world of artists and intellectuals who once roamed these same streets. The sound of our footsteps echoed against the walls, a quiet reminder of the many souls who had traversed this same path before us.

We turned a corner, the Seine River appeared like a shimmering ribbon, its waters reflecting the changing hues of the sky. A woman sat by the embankment, as she watched the river flow by, lost in her own world, staring into nothing. It could have been me a year ago. ’Come here.’ I leaned against the quay wall and pulled her closer. I traced the outlines of her lips with my eyes, remembering the countless conversations we had in the last months and the words left unspoken. Her eyes, the windows to her soul, held a depth that I’ve come to appreciate on a whole new level. The way a new light danced within them, reflecting the resilience they’ve shown in the face of loss, left me in awe. I could almost feel the weight of the moments we’ve shared, the laughter and tears that brought us closer. Gratitude and relief washed over me, knowing that she was still here, still a part of my world. The thought of almost losing her send a shiver down my spine. ’I still sometimes think of finding you…’