«The Return» (unpublished novel), episode 6/15

Each month, Le Regard Libre publishes young Swiss author Elliot Mazzella's novel Le retour, in the form of fifteen episodes. A return to fiction in these pages, a return to the old tradition of the serial novel.

Barely back in his native village, where he expected to be feted as a hero, Joseph is subjected to various trials. After his first day on the job, Siméon, who appears to be the village chief, confides in him that he once had a special relationship with his father, Stéphane, thus gaining his trust. But Joseph must not forget that in the village, nothing can be taken for granted.

– Mais bien sûr que non! Je voulais lui faire peur putain! Tu comprends? C’était pas pour de vrai, je voulais juste lui faire comprendre qu’il peut compter sur rien… que sur lui-même! Tu vois? Ici rien n’est acquis! Rien! Et il faut qu’il pige ça!– C’est pas en faisant semblant de