«The Return» (unpublished novel), episode 6/15

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.

Barely back in his native village, where he expected to be feted as a hero, Joseph is subjected to various trials. After his first day on the job, Siméon, who appears to be the village chief, confides in him that he once had a special relationship with his father, Stéphane, thus gaining his trust. But Joseph must not forget that in the village, nothing can be taken for granted.

- Of course not! I wanted to fucking scare her! Do you understand? It wasn't for real, I just wanted to make him understand that he can count on nothing... but himself! You see what I mean? Nothing can be taken for granted here! Nothing! And he's got to understand that!