Madame Yvonne Giroux Poutrè, I read aloud, squinting in the dim lighting.

Madame Yvonne…

Coincidence?

“Merci, Fantine,” I said quietly, not daring to look at her pointed face. I turned to leave.

“Antonie!” Fantine snapped. I winced under the sharpness of her voice. I spun on my heels.

“Oui Fantine?” I said, eyes still cast down.

“I expect you to do things the right way. No more business with The Authorities. Keep acting yourself and they will take you away. You of all people know the stories.” She had a smirk on her face as she said it.

“Yes Madame,” I said, hatred bubbling up in my chest. I closed my eyes and turned back to the door to leave.

I walked the streets, half-heartedly searching for the address. My pace was slow, I was too distracted to walk properly.

I did know the stories. I was too young then to remember everything. Ten years back, when they raided the country.

The Authorities.

I can still see that day.

The day I stopped dreaming.