You experienced something difficult

-What was your dream when you were younger? I asked him suddenly.

-When I was younger, I wanted to become like my mother, he suddenly admitted to me, smiling.

I look at him a little surprised.

-Yeah I know it's rare to hear that. But I would have liked to be as kind as her and as true as her, he said to me in a nostalgic tone.

-Why do you think you're not?, I asked him

-Not enough, he replied, shaking his head.

-I really want to do my best to make her proud. She was so perfect, he explained to me, a little dreamily.

-I'm sure you already make her proud, I said to her

-I hope that from heaven she is proud of me then, he said to me, smiling tenderly

-But if it's not indiscreet, is your mother no longer in this world?, I asked her in a soft voice

-Yes unfortunately but now she is in heaven. Surely living a better life there, he told me

-Do you want to talk to me about it?, I asked him in a soft voice.

He smiles softly and nods. "Okay. Let's go sit on that bench over there."

We walk to a bench under a large oak tree, and sit side by side. Koen takes a moment before he begins, as if gathering his thoughts.

-My parents have always been rich, he begins. "We lived in a big house, with everything you could dream of. But money doesn't buy happiness, you know?"

I nod, encouraging him to continue.

-My mother was the sweetest and most loving person I knew. She always had a smile for everyone, and she did her best to make us happy. But one day she fell ill. Very sick. She fought, but the illness took her away.

I feel the pain in his voice and gently place my hand on his.

-If you don't want to continue, don't force yourself, I said to him worriedly

-No, I want to continue, he said to me, taking a deep breath.

-Okay, I said to him in a reassuring voice.

"My father was devastated," he continues, his eyes fixed on the ground. "He couldn't live without her. He fell into depression. For months he tried to keep going, but every day was a struggle. Then, one day, he decided he'd had enough."

He takes a deep breath before continuing. "He committed suicide. He couldn't cope with life without my mother. I was still young, but I remember everything. The pain, the loneliness, the feeling of abandonment. I had to grow up quickly."

I am overwhelmed by his story.

-Koen, I'm so sorry, I whispered feeling tears welling up.

He squeezes my hand, seeking comfort.

-THANKS. It was difficult, but it also taught me to appreciate life and the people around me. Every moment is precious. Maybe that's why I wanted you to have a little fun today. To remind you that, even in difficult times, there are still reasons to smile.

I am touched by her sincerity and resilience. "You are incredibly strong, Koen. I can't even imagine what you've been through."

-Thank you, he said softly. "But you're strong too. Everything you go through, and yet you keep fighting. That's something I admire about you."

-No, I'm not as strong as you. Far from it, I told him

-On the contrary, the world of music is not easy and the fact that you are always so happy shows that you are a persevering person who does not let yourself be defeated, he analyzed

-Thank you, I replied.

We remain in silence for a moment, enjoying the tranquility of the park. The sky begins to turn pink and orange as the sun sets. I feel closer to Koen than ever, grateful for his presence and support.

-Thank you for sharing this with me, I said finally. "I'm really happy to have met you."

-Me too, he replies with a warm smile. "And I'll always be here for you, no matter what."

-I hope so, I replied, smiling.

-And you, will you always be there for me?, he asked me jokingly

-As long as you prove to me that you are worth it, I will always be there for you, I replied.

-Even if everyone turned their back on me, would you still be there for me?, he asked me suddenly, staring straight into my eyes

-Why would people turn their backs on you?, I asked him

-Answer me, he said simply in a deep voice.

-Yes always, answered him in a soft voice

-I hope you won't forget this promise, he whispered to me before kissing my forehead.