I'm waiting for you

8.

She crosses the city with a firm step, the noise of her high heels drowned out by the Parisian hustle and bustle. Horns, voices, music, everything blends together. Her thoughts quickly follow one another. Leaving today was shaking up her plans. She was supposed to leave with the arrival of spring. A new beginning. That damn "M" had put everything in question. She moves on. In her mind, thoughts were racing. There was still so much to prepare. Again the landscape blurs and the red veil reappears. She shakes her head. Sounds seem more distant. Someone bumps into her and she drops her handbag, the contents of which spill onto the pavement. She kneels down to pick up her things, her eyes watering. The dizziness has passed. As she reaches for her pen, a man's hand appears in her field of vision. He hands her the object. She quickly grabs it. A little confused, she tries to stand up and thank him. Before she can even look at him, he is already at her level, ready to pass her. She mumbles a thank you as she dusts her knees.

"You're welcome, Sarah."

Sarah is stunned. Her heart is racing. Then her breathing picks up, the air fills her lungs. Her mind clears, she turns around hurriedly. The man has vanished. A well-made grey suit and a deep voice, that's all she could remember of this encounter. She suddenly realises that he has deliberately made sure that she cannot see his face. What if... She doesn't want to believe it. Could it be this man who is stalking her? Tingling runs through her limbs. Like a prey facing a predator, she has only one desire, to flee. If she was still a little hesitant about rushing her departure, she is now certain. She must get away at all costs and disappear. Gathering her belongings, she sets off again, her hands trembling. The streets go by and soon she is facing the closed doors of the cabaret. She anxiously walks around the building to reach the stage door. Bonne mère greets her with a tense smile.

"I'm not sure I'll enjoy your little visit. It's too early for work and you look far too shaken up to just shows up and says hi."

She then tells him about her torment. Her weeks of anguish, the investigation and the encounter that just happened. The cabaret owner's fists are clenched the whole time. Sarah finishes her story, then falls silent. A solitary tear slides down her cheek. Bonne mère straightens up, squeezes her shoulder, then heads to the back of the room. She hears her opening something and rummaging. Then a metallic noise. A few moments later, she comes back to her. She hands her an envelope, then sits down in silence.

"What's this?

- Your salary.

- It's far too much.

- I don't think so. You think I don't know what girls do behind my back to make ends meet? I've been in this business thirty years. They all eventually give in to temptation and leave. But not you. You've always respected the rules. Never a slip-up, never a jealous boyfriend who shows up, never a lie. Consider this a one-time bonus.

- I just...

- Shut up and get out. I think you've got better things to do than talk to an old woman. Get out of the way. Change your life."

Without a word, she gets up, then walks over to her boss before hugging her.

"Thank you. Thank you.

- Yes, yes, it's okay now. Let's not make a big deal out of this."

Sarah gently steps aside, a little moved, then grabs her things. A final goodbye and she walks out of the office. She doesn't see Bonne mère quickly wipe the corners of her eyes before returning to her files, grumbling. This extra money is a breath of fresh air. She hurries home, her heart a little lighter. This time it's done, she'll finally be able to make it happen. She will also be able to get away from this madness and return to a normal life. To live in peace, that's the only thing she's asking for.