Alain Pham | 04/01/2025
Paris in November. The cold wind whistles past my ears, slipping through each strand of hair, while the sunset struggles to cast its final rays of light over the rooftops
That faint golden glow filters through the unfinished pages on my desk. In this lit attic, relics are still cherished, and memories are preserved, guiding my mind back to emotions both fresh and unfamiliar—feelings for things that seemed nonexistent but lingered on the tips of my fingers. With each line of ink poured onto the paper, the season 2 menu for Aiii House takes shape, crafted here in my very own attic.
I remember a line from Le Petit Prince: “On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.” It makes me realize how often we forget the beauty of simplicity, believing instead that only the extravagant deserves attention. But perhaps the tree that appears lifeless in winter is quietly preparing for a burst of vibrant life. What we cannot see doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist—it’s merely waiting for the right moment to unveil its magic. Truly, the most precious things are not in what we see, but in how deeply they resonate when they touch our hearts.
In this attic, memories from then and emotions of the present intertwine, where real stories are retold through a brighter lens of imagination. From the perspective of a child, homesickness isn’t just about eating Mom’s cooking, dating doesn’t always have to be romantic, breaking up doesn’t have to mean devastation, and going to “prison” doesn’t spell the end of one’s life. In the vastness of this city, I wanted to see it freely, like a child would. And without a doubt, nothing has come easy.
First times, whether awkward or clumsy, are always the most memorable. Paris doesn’t rush, but neither does it wait for anyone.
