Puzzled

Chapter 2 - episode 20

Episode 20 - Bye for NowMonte Carlo, France, 25 December

I slip past maman and, taking the stairs two at a time, go up to my room.

'Chéri, the dinner is served at seven tonight, not eight,' she cries after me.

'Yes, fine by me!' I shout back and close the door behind me.

Coming to the window, I swing it open and let the cool evening air in.  At the horizon the sea and the sky have become one in a scarlet kiss.  Struck by the beauty of the moment, I stand by the window, admiring the sunset.

The dusk falls, enveloping the room in soft darkness. I slip my hand into the pocket. My fingers meet a pack of cigarettes and a box of matches.

I wasn’t quite honest with Monsieur Moreau, when I said I didn't smoke. Well, technically I don't, but I’m fascinated by the elegance he does it with. So, I've decided to practice on cigarettes and then move to cigars. If I manage it, I could make an impression in a club. Though, I'm not sure whom I want to impress there, certainly not those annoying the Von Witter daughters or others of the same ilk. I just wish ... Oh, well, never mind.

Taking the matches out, I light up a candle on my desk, then take my laptop and flop onto the bed.

As usual, my inbox is full of spam. I have to change the filter settings, I think as I check through new messages. Suddenly, amidst advertising and spamming emails I see her reply. My heart jumps. I bring the cursor over and freeze.

A breath of sea air comes in through the open window and lightly touches my forehead. I draw in and click on the link. Her letter opens up. It is short, just a few lines.

 Dear L.E.A., thank you for your email. Hope to meet you soon, after my trip to Nice. Wishing you Happy New Year! Bye for now, Lina.