«The Return», unpublished novel, episode 11

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.

Plunged into a feverish sleep, Joseph dreams. With his old friend Pierre, he wanders across a desolate moor. He remembers loneliness, a past that has died inside him. The two friends walk to the edge of the forest, where a woman awaits them. It's Leila. She has a choice to make, and she chooses Joseph. Pierre collapses...

Don't make too much noise. I don't want him to panic, he doesn't know where he is. He'll need some time.

- Okay, fine... But where's Leila?

- She went to tell them. We didn't tell them, they're still in shock.

- I guess... Well, then I guess you're the one