Night has fallen on Mölle Harbor, enveloping the little port in a mysterious softness. The stars, once vibrant with life, shine dimly behind a veil of clouds, as if they too have lost their lustre. The wind has died down, but a gentle murmur persists, a bittersweet melody that seems to whisper forgotten secrets. I stand on the pier, my feet anchored in the rough wood, my heart a little too heavy in my chest.

 Alex has gone back to Grand California to rest, but I'm still here, sitting on the edge, lost in thought. The sea, calm after the afternoon's tumultuous waves, reflected the glow of the street lamps that stood along the harbor, like sentinels watching over the shadows of the past. My memories flooded back, images of Lucas crashing through my mind like waves in the tide. Every burst of laughter, every shared moment seemed to hit me with the force of a roller. I felt the world around me blurred, the contours blurring between reality and nostalgia.
 I think of how I felt surfing earlier in the day. It was like a dance between me and the water, a silent dialogue where every movement was a way of honoring Lucas. He would have loved to see me there, smiling, applauding. But now, as the night thickens and silence sets in, that smile seems so far away.

 I feel shivers of old pain, memories of unquenchable anguish. Why does every moment of happiness now seem imbued with a shadow, a poignant reminder of what I've lost? My heart sinks as I think of the broken promises, the trips we'll never take, the waves we'll never surf together. Guilt overwhelms me, as if savoring my joy is synonymous with betraying her memory.
I know I should let go, that this inner struggle won't lead to anything constructive. But it's so difficult. Every time I try to think about the future, a voice in my head brings me back to the present moment, to this truth that haunts me: Lucas is gone. And I keep moving forward, but towards what?

 The starlight, often framed by clouds, seems to challenge me. Can you really find peace when your heart is torn between love for those you've lost and the need to live? I raise my eyes to the sky, looking for a sign, a sliver of light, a promise that all this makes sense. But all I see are shadows.
 It's time I faced up to this reality. I stand up, my legs heavy with fatigue and uncertainty. The pier creaks under my feet, like an echo of my thoughts. Then, suddenly, I remember Alex's words, ringing in my ears: "You can do it." These words, simple but full of meaning, encourage me. I tell myself that, in the end, I'm the one who chooses how to honor Lucas. Maybe it's not by mourning his departure, but by celebrating his life, by infusing my joy into every moment, that I'll honor him.

 I start walking slowly, the cool sand brushing against my feet. An idea germinates in my mind, a new breath filled with promise. I could continue surfing, of course, but why not explore every facet of my passion? Learn how to set up a surf school, share what Lucas has taught me, set up workshops for young people, those who, like me, are looking for their place between sensations and memories.

 The darkness of the night no longer frightens me. On the contrary, I feel buoyed by a new strength, that of my dreams. I know that the path will be strewn with pitfalls, that the waves of life will have tumultuous moments, but I'm ready to face them. There are so many sensations to discover, so much beauty to feel. And I want to dive into this sea of possibilities.

 Suddenly, a shooting star splits the sky, leaving behind a trail of silver. I close my eyes and make a silent promise: I'll follow Lucas' star wherever it shines, like a beacon in the night. I'm Manon Reynolds, and I'm determined to make the breath of faded stars resonate within me.

 The waves of life continue to break on the shore of my mind, but with each passing day, I feel the foam of pain slowly recede, and I open myself to the idea of building something new. Mölle Harbor is slowly becoming not only a shared memory with Lucas, but also a space where I can blossom, where I can remember him without being overwhelmed by grief. 

Every morning, I keep surfing. Each session becomes an act of catharsis, an ode to the life Lucas loved so much. I immerse myself in the water, the waves carrying and supporting me like a gentle reminder of his presence. I remember his encouragement, those moments when he told me to dare to stand up on the board, to feel the power of the sea within me. Every wave I conquered and every fall I overcame taught me to live and breathe again.

 The idea of opening a surf school gradually becomes a concrete project. I start spending hours drawing plans in my notebook, sketching out ideas for workshops for young people, for those like me who need to find their way in this ocean of possibilities. I want to give them the chance to discover their own relationship with the sea, to express themselves through surfing, while honoring our shared passion.

 I talk to Alex, who is incredibly enthusiastic. Together, we begin to lay the foundations for what could be my dream. He even offers to help me organize trial sessions, to share our love of the water with those who need it. His support means a lot to me, and I can feel a wave of positive energy building between us.

 The days pass, but behind them lies a promise of renewal. The pain remains, but instead of suffocating it, I allow it to coexist with my joys. I'm learning to remember Lucas without breaking down, to smile when I think of the happy moments we shared. I see his face in the smiles of the youngsters taking to the water, their eyes shining with excitement and apprehension. Every burst of laughter, every encouragement I give them resonates within me like an echo of our friendship.

 Then the day comes when I sign up for a competition. I hesitate a little, fear creeping into the recesses of my mind. But the moment I fill in the form, a certainty comes over me. I'm not taking part just to win, or to measure myself against others, but to prove to myself that I'm capable of rising above my fears. I want to pay tribute to the courage that Lucas has instilled in me.

 The day of the competition arrives, and the excitement pushes me to swallow my doubts. On the beach, the atmosphere is vibrant and joyful, the other surfers share their rituals, the sea sparkles in the morning sun, and my wetsuit reminds me that I'm ready. My heart beats wildly, not from fear, but from keen anticipation.

When I find myself in the water, I let myself be carried along by the energy of the moment. One wave follows another, each with its own personality, each inviting me to dance along. I surf as if each movement were a prayer, gratitude for Lucas, for all the moments we've shared together. I feel connected to him, as if a part of his soul were living through me, exhilarated by the joy of seeing that I'm here again, contemplating the sea.

 At the end of the competition, whatever the result, I feel an incredible release. I swim back to shore, light-hearted, smiling and euphoric. The clamor of the spectators surrounds me, but I can't help thinking of Lucas, of what he would have said, of the approval in his twinkling eyes. My heart fills with a warmth that erases his pain, and I realize that living fully doesn't mean forgetting, but honoring what he was to me.

When I join Alex on the beach, I'm brimming with enthusiasm."I did this for both of us," I say, my eyes shining. He nods, sharing my joy."You're amazing, Manon! I'm so proud of you!" he exclaims, and this fuels my newfound determination even more.

As the sun sets over Mölle Harbor, dripping orange and pink, I long to offer something Lucas would have loved. I look to the horizon, my heart racing, and realize that the stars are beginning to shine, illuminating the path of my dreams. Tonight, I'm no longer just Manon Reynolds, the girl who lost a friend. I've become Manon Reynolds, the woman who chose to live for two, to dance with the waves and celebrate each day as a gift, an adventure. I'm ready to take on the world, to be the best version of myself. Night has fallen, but with it comes a new light. It's the beginning of a journey I'm embarking on in memory of the man who always believed in me.