The next morning, Aiko, Ryo, and Hana woke up feeling refreshed and ready for another day of adventure. They decided to return to Montmartre, captivated by its charm and artistic spirit. As they strolled through the cobbled streets, they admired the quaint cafés, vibrant street art, and the bustling atmosphere of the Place du Tertre, where artists showcased their work.
They were drawn to a small gallery at the end of a narrow alley, its windows filled with colorful paintings. Inside, they were greeted by a young artist named Luc, who was eager to show them around.
"Welcome to my gallery," Luc said with a warm smile. "Feel free to look around and ask me any questions."
As they explored the gallery, Aiko was captivated by a series of paintings depicting Parisian scenes with a whimsical, dreamlike quality. She turned to Luc, curious about the inspiration behind his work.
"These are beautiful," she said. "What inspired you to create them?"
Luc smiled, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "I've always been fascinated by the magic and romance of Paris. I try to capture the city's soul in my paintings, the way it feels like anything is possible here."
As they continued to admire the artwork, Hana noticed a painting partially hidden behind a curtain. Intrigued, she gently pulled the curtain aside to reveal a stunning portrait of a young woman standing in front of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and longing.
"Who is this?" Hana asked, captivated by the emotion in the painting.
Luc hesitated for a moment before answering. "That's my sister, Elise. She disappeared a few years ago, and I've been painting her ever since, hoping to somehow bring her back."
Aiko, Ryo, and Hana exchanged glances, sensing the depth of Luc's sorrow. Ryo stepped forward, his voice gentle. "I'm sorry to hear that, Luc. Have you had any leads on what happened to her?"
Luc shook his head. "Not really. She loved Montmartre and would often wander these streets, but one day she just vanished without a trace. I've been searching for her ever since, but it's like she disappeared into thin air."
Moved by Luc's story, Aiko felt a surge of determination. "We're here to explore and help where we can. If there's anything we can do to assist in finding Elise, please let us know."
Luc's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you. I appreciate your offer. There's a café she used to frequent, Café des Amis. Maybe someone there might remember something."
Determined to help, they made their way to Café des Amis, a charming café with outdoor seating and a lively crowd. Inside, they approached the owner, a friendly woman named Colette, and explained their quest.
Colette listened attentively, her expression thoughtful. "Elise… Yes, I remember her. She was a sweet girl, always drawing in her sketchbook. The last time I saw her, she mentioned something about a secret garden she had found, a place where she felt at peace."
"A secret garden?" Aiko echoed, intrigued. "Do you know where it might be?"
Colette shook her head. "I'm afraid not. But there's an old man named Henri who lives nearby. He knows Montmartre better than anyone. If anyone can help you find this garden, it's him."
With a new lead, they set off to find Henri. They found him sitting on a bench in a small park, feeding the pigeons. He looked up as they approached, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.
"Bonjour," Ryo greeted. "We're looking for a secret garden that Elise might have mentioned. Do you know where it could be?"
Henri smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Ah, Elise. Such a kind soul. Yes, I know the garden she spoke of. It's hidden behind the old vineyard on Rue des Saules. Few people know of its existence, but it's a beautiful, tranquil place."
Excited by this new information, they thanked Henri and hurried to Rue des Saules. They found the old vineyard, its entrance overgrown with vines. Pushing through, they discovered a small, hidden garden filled with blooming flowers, a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city.
As they explored the garden, they found a bench with a small sketchbook lying on it. Opening it, they saw beautiful sketches of Montmartre and notes in the margins, signed by Elise.
"This is her sketchbook," Hana said, her voice filled with emotion. "She was here."
They felt a renewed sense of hope. Elise's presence in the garden suggested she had found solace here, and perhaps, clues to her whereabouts. With this discovery, they were determined to unravel the mystery and bring Elise back to her brother.