1940 June 07 – Paris, France

"Back in Paris, Diary, under a starless sky. Tonight, my heart's a little heavier."

You know, Diary, every once in a while, amidst the whirlwind of life, you stumble upon a soul that echoes a piece of your past. Tonight, it was Lucas Schmidt, a young refugee with eyes that spoke volumes of loss and resilience. As I sat there with Lucas, his fears and dreams spilling out in hushed tones, I couldn't help but be taken back to another time, another life – to Henry. Ah, Henry... Billy the Kid, the only man who ever truly held my heart. It's been ages, but the memories, they're as vivid as ever.

Lucas's spirit, his courage in the face of all this madness, it reminded me so much of Henry. Henry, with his wild heart and that reckless grin, always living on the edge. I loved him, more than I've ever admitted to anyone, even to myself. But I pushed him away, scared of what that love meant, scared of losing myself. And then he was gone, taken by the cruel hands of fate, and I've been carrying that weight ever since.

As I held Lucas through the night, it was more than just offering comfort. It was a silent apology, a wish to turn back time, to hold Henry just once more, to tell him everything I never had the chance to. But the past is a shadow you can't outrun, only learn to live with.

Tonight wasn't about being the life of the party, the immortal charmer. It was about being human, about shared pain and unspoken bonds. As the first light of dawn crept in, I knew I had to help Lucas find a safer tomorrow. Maybe in helping him, a part of me finds a bit of redemption, a step towards healing an old wound.

So, Diary, as I close today's page, it's with a heart a little lighter, yet a little sadder. The laughter will return, but for now, let's just sit with these memories a while longer.

Until next time, remember to hold those you love a little closer.

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