«The Night of the Gütsch», unpublished novel (episode 10/10)

Here's the sequel to the new novel by Swiss writer André Durussel, published in Le Regard Libre throughout 2024.

At the appointed time, on a mild and slightly misty Sunday in September, Barti, but above all Aimé, was waiting for Santa. They often looked at the clock on the station's large Romanesque portico, topped by a bronze statue of Richard Kissling. It was the «Zeitgeist», or Spirit of Time, in memory of Louis Favre, the builder of the Gotthard tunnel, where a young man, his right hand raised in the square, seemed to be shouting victory.

Had Santa forgotten about the appointment? Was she waiting for them somewhere else? Their impatience was visible, as the post bus to Buttisholz was about to leave.

Slightly late and out of breath, Santa finally arrived:

- It's often when you do