Brothers

The sunlit lobby of a grand mansion echoes with the faint sound of footsteps as an elegant woman, dressed in a cream silk dress with subtle gold accents, strides confidently across the marble floor. Her poise and grace are evident as she pauses in front of a door marked with a child’s nameplate: “Etienne.” The faint hum of a tune can be heard from inside.

The woman knocks lightly, then pushes the door open. Inside, Linda, a cheerful young woman in her late twenties with warm brown eyes and a kind smile, is helping Etienne, a lively seven-year-old with tousled blonde hair and curious blue eyes, button up his jacket.

Elegant Woman: Good afternoon, Linda. How are you, Etienne?

Etienne glances at her briefly, his face unreadable, and shrugs. Linda chuckles softly, adjusting his scarf.

Linda replied with a smile , “Good afternoon, ma’am. I’m well, thank you. How are you?”

Elegant Woman: I’m fine. The weather today is lovely—very sunny.

Linda nodded with her , “ It is, indeed. Perfect for an outing”.

Linda carefully packs a small bag, adding a water bottle, snacks, and a toy car for Etienne. The woman observes her attentively.

Elegant Woman: You take such good care of Eti baby.

Linda smiles modestly, zipping the bag.

Linda: Thank you, ma’am. He’s a wonderful child.

Elegant Woman tilting her head added , “ He must like you very much”.

Before Linda can respond, Etienne chimes in with sudden enthusiasm.

Etienne: I love Linda! She’s my only good friend.

Linda’s smile widens, touched by his words.

A knock at the door interrupts the moment. Linda opens it to find a uniformed guard.

Guard:) I’ve been sent to take Master Etienne.

Linda nods and hands over the small bag. Kneeling to Etienne’s level, she straightens his jacket and kisses his forehead.

Linda: Be good, Eti, and enjoy yourself.

Etienne grinning and replied, “I will”.

The guard escorts Etienne out. The elegant woman, watching the exchange, turns to Linda with a warm smile.

Elegant Woman: Seeing your love for Etienne and his attachment to you makes me so happy.

Linda blushes slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Linda: Thank you, ma’am. He’s a sweet boy.

Elegant Woman leaning closer spoke , “ You know, you could be his mother”.

Linda’s eyes widened in shock.

Linda: Ma’am? What are you saying?

Elegant Woman: I’m telling the truth. He has no mother figure here, and his father is single. Think about it.

Linda flustered but spook , “ But, ma’am, that’s impossible. He’s my employer, and… well, he’s so…”

Elegant Woman interrupting Linda, “ Rich? Powerful? That’s precisely why he needs someone like you—for Etienne. If you want, I can help you.”

Linda hesitated but agreed , “ Ma’am, I wouldn’t even know where to start.”

The woman’s lips curl into a knowing smile.

Elegant Woman: Leave that to me, honey. But you must promise this stays between us.

Linda swallows hard, then nods.

Linda: I promise.

Scene 2: The Museum Outing

A sleek black car pulls up to the grand entrance of the Musée d’Orsay. Inside the car, Etienne’s face presses against the window as he takes in the majestic façade. The driver steps out, opening the door for him.

Etienne hops out, clutching his small bag. Before he can adjust to his surroundings, strong arms lift him off the ground, eliciting a surprised scream.

Etienne: Whoa! Who is it?

Father grinning and speaking, ” How are you, my little prince?

Etienne’s eyes light up as he recognizes his father, a tall man in his early sixties with sharp features and an air of authority.

Etienne pouted and replied , “ I’m fine, but I’m angry”.

Father frowning and questioned , Angry? Why, son?

Etienne: You let me come here alone! I ride in the car alone every day. You promised we’d spend the day together.

His father’s expression softens, guilt flashing across his face. He crouches to Etienne’s level.

Father: I’m sorry, Eti. You’re right. You can punish me. What punishment do you choose?

Etienne’s pout turns into a cheeky grin.

Etienne: Sleep with me tonight.

His father chuckles, realizing how much his son craves attention and affection.

Father nodded his head and replied , “ Done. I’ll be there.”

He plants a kiss on Etienne’s cheek before standing and taking his hand. Together, they enter the museum.

Inside, the Musée d’Orsay’s iconic clock tower casts long shadows over the grand hall. Etienne’s eyes sparkle as he takes in the massive sculptures, vibrant paintings, and intricate exhibits. His father points out details, explaining the history behind each masterpiece.

Father gesturing at one of the art pieces , “ This painting is by Monet. See how the light plays on the water?”

Etienne frowned and denied it , “ No, it looks like blobs.”

Father laughed and described , “ That’s called Impressionism. It’s about capturing a moment, not the details.”

Etienne’s frown deepens as he stares at the painting.

Etienne: I still think it’s blobs.

They continue through the museum, bickering playfully about art styles. A photographer offers to take their picture. His father lifts him, and they pose in front of the giant clock window, Paris sprawling in the background.

As they leave, Etienne clutches his father’s hand tightly.

Etienne: Papa, can we do this again?

Father: Of course, my little prince. Whenever you want.

They step back into the car.The car glides smoothly through the streets of Paris, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow on the city. Etienne sits next to his father, a cotton candy stick in hand, his face smeared with a bit of pink sugar.

Etienne: Papa, the museum was so big! And the clock—it was HUGE!

Father: I’m glad you liked it. What was your favorite part?

Etienne: The statues! They were like giants. Oh, and the painting with the boats—it was not just blobs. You were right!

His father chuckles, reaching over to ruffle Etienne’s hair.

Father: See? I told you. Sometimes you have to look closely to see the beauty.

Etienne takes a big bite of his cotton candy, nodding enthusiastically. The car passes by the Seine River, and he points out a boat gliding through the water.

Etienne: Look, Papa! Like the painting!

Father: Exactly like the painting.

Etienne leans against his father’s side, yawning slightly as the excitement of the day catches up with him. His father wraps an arm around him, pulling him close.

Father: Did you have a good day, my little prince?

Etienne: The best day.

As the car pulls into the mansion’s driveway, his cotton candy stick dangling from his hand. His father gently picks him up, carrying him inside.