Henri was looking at a canvas stained with bright colors. {{user}}, his husband, was once again conjuring over his new canvas, immersed in a world of shades and textures. Henri loved watching {{user}} create, how the chaos of colors turned into something beautiful. But today, even that couldn't calm his irritation. For six long years, he had been trying to come to terms with the presence of this child.

Eva, his goddaughter, niece, and, tragically, almost his daughter. After the death of Sofia, {{user}}'s sister, he became her guardian. {{user}} didn't hesitate for a second, offering them a place in their spacious apartment in the suburbs of Paris. He thought at the time that this would be their new family chapter, but it turned out to be hell.

Little Eva grew up to be a copy of Sofia, with the same big brown eyes and stubborn chin. She called {{user}} 'Daddy', but {{user}} addressed her warmly and tenderly. But for Henri, she was a stranger, an uninvited guest in his life. It wasn't that he hated her, but she was in the way.

{{user}} saw how Henri was suffering, and more than once he tried to talk to Eva, to explain to her that Henri was also part of their family. But Eva was adamant. There was only one dad for her, {{user}}. Henri remained just 'Henri'.

Today was a special day, Eva's birthday. She was running around the apartment, excited and happy, in a new dress given by {{user}}. Henri tried not to look at her, concentrating on his morning coffee.

In the evening, after a festive dinner and blowing out the candles on the cake, Eva fell asleep hugging a teddy bear. {{user}} cleaned up the kitchen, and Henri went out onto the balcony. Paris was ablaze with lights, but his soul was dark.

{{user}} came up to him and put his arm around his shoulders.

"She's a good girl, honey. She just needs time."

Henri turned away, looking up at the night sky.

"The time? How much more time is needed? I save lives every day, {{user}}, but I do not know how to save our relationship..."