kly, not wanting to waste a minute of the day. It was a new routine that she had imposed on herself, each movement measured, each gesture to avoid losing

eclerc. It wasn't a job she had sought, but it had been a way out. The old shopkeeper welcomed her with a kind smile, perhaps he expected help more than work from her. His

nothing to do with their old world. She was getting used to these faces marked by life, these stories that no one told her, but which emerged through furtive glances and shy smiles. She, for her part, remained discreet, always on the defensive.

never stayed long. He never said his name, but he seemed nice, a little younger than her, maybe around thirty. He had brown hair, cut short, and a look that never seemed to focus on anything in particular, as if he were lost

ee you seem like an expert at sorting clothes. » He

in a calm voice. "You have to be efficien

excuse his intrusion. "It's a job th

f looking for a way to avoid this conversation. But something in his voi

ing for today? » she asked,

ding, "I like to hang around here. It helps me

little more carefull

peace and quiet lately. » He peered at her out of the corner of his eye, a little embarrassed, but

rela

lighted. You know, it's not every day that you c

, embarrassed by his words

tranquility that fascinated her. He was present without being intrusive, respectful, but not cold. Their relationshi

of who she was, and that reassured her. He saw her simply as one person among many, a face in a corne

her hands placed on her stomach which was beginning to round out. A mother's womb. She felt a light, almost imperceptible kick. The little being inside her was there, alive and we

Clara, the friend who welcomed her into

ing smile. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm getting used

best, but you don't have to carry everything alone, you know. Julien told

in the dark, indeed. But it's just... he's nice, you know? He doesn't ask me quest

ou feel alone, right? Like no one un

y. All t

. "You know, it's normal. But you must not isolate yoursel

an anchor for her, but she didn't want it to become more complex. He

as exactly what she needed to keep going. She smiled at Clara, more sincerely th