They passed old-fashioned streetlamps as they walked down the cobblestone streets. The little district was dotted with cafés. Storefronts popped up every so often too. They sold wine from a local vineyard, its proceeds going to various local charities. The vineyard was visible as they made their way through Montmartre. Eileen’s eye was drawn to the neat lines created by the grapevines. Greenery greeted her artist’s eye as she studied the beauty of the vineyard in the early evening sun. She was betting sunset would be stunning.
She and Jimin were late, yet they were both dragging their feet, reluctant to part ways. It had been nearly twenty-four hours since they had collided on a sidewalk in downtown Paris. A moment that had changed both of their lives forever.
As they passed one old, stone building after another, a little train drove by them, its carriages filled with laughing children. Then they came upon a carousel, and Eileen squeaked. Surprised, Jimin glanced her way.
“I love carousels! I’ve always been fascinated by them!”
Jimin stopped. “Let’s ride it then.”
“But…you’re already late.”
“What’s five more minutes then? My friends will wait.”
She paused, uncertain. She didn’t want to keep his friends waiting. But she also didn’t want this day to come to an end. As it turned out, she chose to be selfish. And enjoy a spin on the mammoth carousel with Jimin.
They climbed on, setting their three canvases on the floor of the carousel under their feet. Eileen felt like the carefree child she had never been as she climbed on the hollow horse. Even Jimin was grinning from ear to ear. They rode side by side. One going up while the other traveled downward. Then they’d switch directions, and she’d rise while he fell. They laughed like two tiny kids as they forgot the world, their expectations, and their problems and simply took delight in living and in being together.
This was a golden moment. One for the memory books. And one of the few such moments in Jimin’s life that wasn’t being documented. He felt a tinge of sorrow at that thought. He wished someone were taking their picture. He wanted to remember this moment in all its perfection forever.
—
Tae stood in the distance, focusing his camera on that one special spot. Then he snapped a series of pictures for several minutes. This was going to be the perfect birthday present for the sweet guy.
Tae smiled down at one still in particular. Jimin was laughing as he looked down at the red-haired beauty. She was gazing up at him, a special light in her eyes, her own mouth open in laughter. It was a beautiful moment.