This Will Be Your Sanctuary

"Follow me," he said.

They walked across the ground floor until Bastien opened a door. The room was bright, filled with sunlight pouring through large windows overlooking the garden. Inside, there was a mannequin, an incredible variety of fabrics in different colors and textures, sewing and cutting machines, threads, needles, a design table—everything one would need to create fashion.

—"Wow…" —Kate murmured as she walked slowly among the fabrics, running her fingertips over them like she was touching memories. Bastien leaned against the wall with his arms crossed—"These fabrics are expensive… and rare. Where did you get them?"

—"I have my contacts. I know you're studying fashion design and love creating clothes. Everything you need is here."

—"And for what purpose? I’m a prisoner."

—"When you're ready, we’ll do a fashion show in Milan. I’ll help you launch your own brand. You’ll show the world your talent."

—"But I’m still in college. I haven’t even graduated."

—"What use is a diploma, if everything you need is right here?" —He touched his temple—"And here." —He pointed to his heart.

Kate took a step back.

—"Kate, don’t reject me. I’m not going to hurt you."

—"Forgive me if I doubt that."

—"Kate, you don’t understand—"

—"Then explain it to me!"

—"I can’t. But this… this will be your sanctuary. Whatever you need, just make a list and I’ll get it for you. I could even be your model," —he said with a teasing grin.

—"No! I've only had one model in my life. And no one will ever take his place."

—"I could be a good model."

—"Don’t even think about it. You’re not even close to my Sebastián."

A faint smile formed on Bastien’s lips.

—"Was that Sebastián really so perfect?"

—"Yes. He was the sweetest boy I ever met. We promised that when we grew up, I’d design and he’d model. But…"

—"But what?"

—"His adoptive parents took him away one night. I never heard from him again."

—"You never tried to find him?"

—"Of course I did. I searched for him online for years, but there’s no Sebastián Bouquer. I only know his first and last name. We were kids. I never thought I needed more than that."

—"I see. Maybe he tried to find you too."

—"If he really wanted to find me, he would have. I’ve lived in the same house for over twenty years. Maybe his life got better, and he didn’t want to go back for a girl from the suburbs. We even had code names."

—"Oh yeah? What were they?"

—"I’m not telling you. That was something just between us."

—"You clearly cared for him a lot."

—"He was the first love of my life." —Bastien’s eyes widened.

—"We were only ten, but I loved seeing him every day. It was my favorite part of the day. I used to cook for him, and he loved my cookies. He said he’d open a bakery just to sell them and get rich."

—"I could open you a bakery if you want."

—"No! That dream was between him and me. You’d ruin it. I don’t want anything from you—not the fabrics, not this room, nothing. Nothing that comes from you, Bastien."

—"Kate…"

—"Leave me alone. I just want to go home. To be far away from you. Don’t pretend to be my friend. Don’t pretend you care after what you did to me."

Bastien grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes.

—"I did what was necessary, Kate. And I’d do it again if it meant keeping you safe."

—"Ha! What kind of twisted world do you live in where you protect someone… by violating them? Don’t pretend to be a savior when you’re the monster."

—"You have no idea how cruel the world out there is, Kate. You have no idea what I’ve seen."

—"Well good for you, Mister Worldly." —Kate turned and walked out.

Bastien slammed his fists against the table.

—"Damn it!! Kate!" —he ran after her and grabbed her arm. He took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled, trying to stay calm—"Kate," —he whispered—, "understand this… You won’t leave here. Try to make this place feel like home. I’ll bring you anything you want. Just ask me."