«The Return», unpublished novel, episode 12

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 convalescence was drawing to a close. Deep in bed, he heard a familiar voice, not that of the previous maid, Agathe. It's her, it's Leila, his childhood sweetheart. Their reunion marks the beginning of a period of peace and reconciliation. Joseph now takes part in village life, working, eating and laughing with those who have perhaps become his own.

Joseph rougit, il était sur le point de l’empoigner. Mais Leila n’a pas eu peur. Elle l’a simplement traité d’animal et s’est bien moquée de lui. Elle fait un pas en arrière. A présent, son regard est à la recherche de quelque chose en lui. Sa tête est légÃ