After the Night He Left

Inspired by Henri Gervex's “Rolla” (1878)
by @julietbella

Hello dear Steemians,
I'm excited to join Art and Writing Contest #149 organized by @solperez.

Thanks to @solperez for the inspiring contest and the opportunity to feel, write, and share.

Inspired by the powerful painting “Rolla” by Henri Gervex. This story is written from the perspective of the woman in the painting, who wakes up after a night of love only to face the cruel silence of loss. I hope you feel the emotion behind every word.

Sometimes, the sweetest moments become the most sorrowful.
Last night, I made love with you, It was a night like no other.

Rain danced softly on the window, the room dimly lit by candlelight.
We didn’t say much, but every glance, every breath between us spoke more than words could.
it was tender, it was real.

The way you kissed me, the way your eyes locked into mine, it felt like magic, like hope. For once, I felt safe. For once, I felt wanted.

The room was alive with warmth and softness. We laughed, whispered things only the night could hold. No fights. No pain. Just peace or so I thought.

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel used.
I felt loved.

The Tragedy Revealed

But morning came like a thief.
The sunlight crept across the floor, warm and innocent .

But now I wake to cold air and deeper silence.
You’re not beside me no arms around me, no whispered “good morning.”
Only a lifeless body, still and gone, leaving me in this wide, empty room.
Tears streamed down my face.
I held him as though love could bring him back.
I whispered everything I hadn’t said:
That he mattered.
That he made me feel seen.
That I would’ve stayed.

Why didn’t he tell me he was tired of life?
Didn’t I deserve to know?

I’ve been called many names: wayward, shameless, broken.
They see only what I’ve done to survive.
But he... he saw beyond that.

He saw me.
And now he’s gone.

Why?
Why would you take your life after such a beautiful night?
Wasn’t I enough reason to stay?
You knew what I was the label they give me, the life I never chose but I’m still human. I still bleed. I still hope.

I may be a prostitute, but I deserve love. I deserve affection.
Last night, I thought I had found it in you.
But now, I see I was only a stop on your way out of this world.

You left me with a memory, a scar, and a silence too loud to bear.
I am not just mourning you, I am mourning the dream I thought you brought with you.
And now, I am truly, forever alone.

In life, we often search for love in broken places and people, hoping to be the reason they stay, the light they need. But no matter who you are or what the world calls you, you deserve to be loved fully, freely, and without shame.

Let this story remind you:
Your worth is not defined by your past or your pain.
You are human. You are worthy of love, of healing, of new beginnings.

If someone leaves, don't let it destroy your hope.
The love you dream of is still possible — but first, give it to yourself.
Don’t let loneliness silence the truth:
You matter.

I invite my friends @mercybliss @tempestinyang @jemilatbuhariand @ukpono to also participate.