Félix Tholomyès had it all. He had a beautiful mistress named Fantine, friends, and all the money he needed. He was a very lucky man, but there was one thing he did not want. And that was a family. He felt as if families tied you down, and he liked to roam free with different mistresses.
So, it came as a shock when Fantine said she was pregnant. Tholomyès was worried. What if Fantine actually wanted to settle down with him? Raise a proper family in one city? These thoughts crossed Tholomyès' mind daily.
Fantine never noticed Tholomyès doubts. She was happy. She was with the man she loved, and was carrying his child. Of course, the circumstances could have been nicer. They could have been married. Yet Fantine took what she got and worked with it.
Tholomyès knew that when the baby arrived, he'll have to make a choice whether or not to stay or go. The long nine months passed by, and finally, that day was here.
Fantine looked at the little baby boy in her arms. Her boy. He had Tholomyès eyes but her complexion.
"He's beautiful," Fantine said, smiling. Tholomyès glanced at his son and was astounded to see his face reflected in the baby's. He was even more astounded when an emotion filled him up, making him happy.
"What shall we call him?" he asked Fantine, softly.
Fantine smiled and kissed the baby's forehead. "Courfeyrac."
