Days passed, and the tension in the house began to dissipate, but a lingering shadow remained. Even though David had taken a significant step by confronting Jules' presence, there was still an emptiness, a difficult absence to fill. Julie had distanced herself, leaving uncertainty about the future of her relationship with him. Caroline, for her part, knew that the situation was not completely resolved, that there were still many unspoken things and wounds that needed healing.
But there was one person, a sensitive soul with a broken heart, who was even more lost than the others: Claire, Jules' sister. She had witnessed her parents tear apart because of the loss of her brother, and she felt deep confusion about what was happening. Claire knew that the love between David and Caroline was not entirely gone. But she couldn't understand why Jules was acting this way, why he didn't want them to be happy, why he was disrupting all their lives.
She had never dared to speak to David about it, but the situation was becoming heavier. That morning, she decided to confront Jules' presence, to seek answers, and to understand if his actions were truly the right ones. For, after witnessing the consequences of his actions, Claire wondered if her brother really knew what he was doing.
She went to the living room, where everything seemed to have begun. The photo of Jules was still there, on the mantelpiece, almost like a constant reminder of the lost child's soul. Claire took a deep breath and sat on the sofa. She closed her eyes and focused, hoping that Jules would hear her, that he would finally come and speak to her as he had done with David.
It took a few moments, but soon, she felt a presence, a sudden cold that filled the room. She wasn't afraid, even though her heart was beating faster. She knew she had to speak to him.
— "Jules," she said softly, her eyes still closed. "I know you're here. I know you're watching us, trying to protect us, but I… I don't understand. Why are you doing this? Why do you want to separate us?"
Silence answered at first, heavy, almost oppressive. Then a light mist began to form before her, and a familiar figure emerged, blurry but present. It was Jules, his young and radiant face, despite the worry in his eyes.
— "I just want everything to be like before," he replied in a soft voice, filled with sadness. "I want mom and dad to be happy together, like they were before."
Claire felt her heart tighten. She knew her brother wasn't yet capable of understanding the complexity of human relationships, and love. But she also knew he was acting impulsively, with a sincere will, though misdirected.
— "Jules," she said, trying to convey her gentleness and love through her words. "I know you want what's best for them. But things have changed, and maybe forcing us together won't make them happy."
Jules lowered his head, clearly disturbed by her words. He stood there, almost like a lost child in a world he didn't quite understand.
— "But if I don't do anything… If I don't protect mom, dad, and you, who will protect them?" he said, his voice almost pleading. "It's my only chance to see my parents happy. It's the only way to put everything back in place."
Claire took a deep breath and slowly stood up, her eyes full of compassion. She approached her brother's figure, reaching out her hand as if trying to touch his face, but her fingers met only the cold air. It hurt, but she continued.
— "I understand, Jules. You want to see mom and dad happy, but… you know, love can't be forced. It's not enough to bring them together by force. They need to choose to be together in their hearts, without pressure."
Jules seemed unsettled, his eyes filled with confusion.
— "You mean we shouldn't do anything? Let mom and dad make their choices without me helping them?"
Claire nodded gently.
— "Yes, but that doesn't mean you're not there for them, that you're not important. On the contrary, you've given them a chance to grow and heal. But you too need to heal, Jules. You can't stay stuck in a moment from the past. You need to let go… For your own good, and for theirs."
She paused, her gaze fixed on her brother's eyes, which seemed to fade slowly, as if his thoughts were swirling in his head, as if the mist around him was beginning to dissipate. But she knew this was only the beginning.
— "I want you to be at peace, Jules. Not to fight against things you can't change."
A heavy silence fell between them. Then, after what seemed like an eternity, Jules' figure drew closer to her, his eyes full of sadness and resignation.
— "You're right, Claire," he said in a soft voice. "I think I'm afraid of losing them… I'm afraid everything will fall apart without me."
Claire felt her heart break a little more at those words. She reached out a hand, and although the figure was still intangible, she knew he felt her gesture.
— "You'll never lose them, Jules. But you need to give them space to move forward. You are their son, you're always with them, but they need to learn to live without you. And you too, you need to learn to live without us, while still staying in our hearts."
Claire's words slowly sank into Jules' soul, and he began to fade, his figure melting into the light, like a dream dissipating at dawn. Before completely disappearing, one last word escaped from him, filled with a newfound softness, an almost liberated lightness.
— "I… I'll try, Claire. For you, for me. Thank you."
And, in a light breath, he vanished, leaving behind only the calm and peace of the room.
Claire remained there for a moment, motionless, her mind still filled with that encounter. She now understood that Jules had acted protectively, but that his love, however sincere, had become an obstacle. He needed to find his own peace, and with him, David and Caroline could find theirs.
She then turned toward the window, tears in her eyes, but a faint smile appeared on her lips. Everything would take time, but Claire knew this step was essential to move forward. Jules had finally taken a step toward reconciliation, and now, it was time for them all to heal.