«The Night of the Gütsch», unpublished novel (episode 10/10)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

These last few weeks of work for Santa passed very quickly. Too quickly, as if the deadline for her impending departure was accelerating everything. As for Aimé, he had returned to his responsibilities as foreman and safety officer. He was putting the finishing touches to a plan for evacuating the workshops in the event of a disaster, with instructions to be applied in accordance with the new legal provisions that had recently come into force.

In agreement with the hotel management, and with Madame Elfriede B. in particular, Santa organized a small farewell party, set for the last Friday evening in September. The Stübi was chosen for the occasion. Some of the restaurant's faithful guests were invited: Mr. Lätsch and A