«The Return (unpublished novel), episode 7/15

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.

Joseph's return does not go according to plan. Sometimes a stranger, sometimes a member of the community, his situation is highly unstable. The collective tasks he takes part in gradually take on the appearance of trials that sometimes put his life in danger. After a mock manhunt, Joseph is entrusted with the pigsty, where, unbeknownst to him, an old acquaintance is waiting for him.

Siméon tourne le commutateur. Une rangée de lampes suspendues s’allume. On entend les porcs couiner. La brume se glisse sous la porte de fer. L’intérieur de la porcherie demeure sombre malgré l’éclairage. Des sacs de céréales sont entreposés dans un coin.