Reversal

It was one of those beautiful sunny summer days that I loved and Paris does so well. But I could not keep my promise and stay with her. I had to see Sasakawa. Urgently!

"I could stay a little longer," I proposed to her in the late morning, torn between the desire to get away and to be in her company.

I saw the anxiety in Alma's eyes - the fear of my departure crossed her mind quickly, but my vigilance noticed it. I feared that she would do something stupid in my absence. Go look for more clothes for example, or simply make a phone call. I knew she often thought of her friend, Vera.

"I have work!" she said coldly. She looked me up and down, then handed me my jacket.

"Everything will be fine," I assured her, pulling my jacket on.

I had acquired, since our lives had crossed again and threats were gathering, this new gift: to trick people.

"You need to see your friends," she said softly, pretending to dive back into routine.