Night gently fell over the small town, giving way to a starry sky that lit up the quiet streets. Inside a modest but cozy house, a party was in full swing. Laughter echoed through the walls, voices blended with the upbeat rhythm of the music.
Victoire had just blown out his fourteen candles. Around him, Daniella, Ryder, and Andréa clapped enthusiastically. The room was simply decorated, but the most important thing was there: the four of them, together, just like always.
— "Make a wish, Vic!" Daniella said, playfully nudging his shoulder.
Victoire closed his eyes for a moment, his heart heavy. His wish? He had only one—to have his parents by his side for as long as possible. He took a deep breath, then blew out the candles in one go.
— "So? What did you wish for?" Ryder asked with a smirk.
— "You know it won't come true if I tell you," Victoire replied with a shrug.
Andréa, who had been quietly watching the scene, let out a small sigh.
— "I just want us to stay like this, the four of us. No matter what happens."
A silence settled between them. Daniella lowered her eyes, playing with the edge of her plate, while Ryder looked away. They all knew that the future was uncertain.
To break the tension, Victoire suddenly stood up.
— "What if we sang something? Just us, like we used to?"
A smile immediately lit up Daniella's face.
— "Oh yes, great idea!"
They gathered around the old piano in the living room. Victoire placed his fingers on the keys, playing a few hesitant chords. Ryder picked up his guitar, and Andréa tapped her foot gently to keep the rhythm.
Then, Daniella started singing. Her soft, melodic voice filled the room, carrying lyrics they had written together years ago.
"We once dreamed of a world of our own, where nothing could tear us apart..."
Memories flooded in—afternoons spent composing, nights imagining a future where they would shine together on stage.
"But will time one day catch up to us?"
Victoire felt a lump form in his throat. His gaze drifted toward the hallway, where his parents stood, watching discreetly. Though they smiled, exhaustion was evident on their faces. His mother looked frail, his father's complexion was pale.
The song ended on a soft note, leaving a heavy silence behind. Victoire quickly got up and stepped outside onto the terrace, needing fresh air.
Daniella was the first to follow him.
— "Vic, are you okay?"
He nodded, but his eyes gave him away.
— "I'm just… scared."
Daniella didn't need to ask what he meant. She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
— "You're not alone. We're here."
A small smile appeared on Victoire's lips.
Ryder and Andréa soon joined them, and together, they stood in silence, enjoying the moment.
They didn't know it yet, but that night would be one of the last where everything still felt simple.