r e t r o u v a i l l e s | Charles Leclerc

II

c h a n g e s

A week had passed since Inès had left behind the grey corridors of Paris, escaping from the abusive relationship that suffocated her.

The first days in Monaco were the hardest. The pain of departure, mixed with the fear of the unknown, weighed on her shoulders like an anchor, dragging her into the depths of sadness. She found herself sinking into a sea of dark thoughts, unable to glimpse any ray of hope on the horizon. However, as the days unfolded slowly, something began to change within her.

The bright sun of Monaco, so different from the grey skies of Paris, bathed her skin and warmed her soul. She realized that each new dawn brought with it a promise of renewal, an opportunity to start anew. Inès found comfort in the small things: walks along the coast, dips in the crystal-clear sea, the comforting taste of local food. She began to reconnect with herself, rediscovering her inner strength that had been obscured by the toxic relationship she had left behind. Inès discovered a sense of freedom that she had long forgotten, a feeling that, despite the scars she carried, the future was filled with possibilities. However, she knew that the journey to healing had only just begun. There were moments of sadness and loneliness that still haunted her at night, painful memories that could not be easily erased. But now, with the sun of Monaco as her guide, Inès felt a new determination pulsing through her veins.

Inès awoke to the gentle glow of the sun streaming into her room. At 6:00 a.m., the morning light already heralded a radiant day in Monaco. After a few moments of serene contemplation, she rose from bed with determination, eager to make the most of the promising morning. Dressing with simplicity and elegance, Inès chose a light blouse, comfortable jeans, and a pair of sneakers. In her bag, she tucked away a small book she had started reading the night before, looking forward to continuing the story in some quiet moment of the day. With light and decisive steps, Inès left her apartment and ventured through the streets of Monaco, absorbing the serenity of the still-sleeping city. The fresh, salty air from the sea caressed her face as she made her way to a small park by the seaside, where she knew she would find a refuge of peace and tranquility. Upon arriving, Inès found a bench under the shade of a lush tree and settled comfortably. With the book in hand, she immersed herself in the pages, surrendering to the enchanting world of the unfolding narrative.

As she read, she found herself transported to distant worlds and stirring stories, losing herself in the pages as if in a trance. Time seemed to slow down around her, allowing her to savor every word and every scene with renewed intensity. As the sun rose slowly in the sky, Inès delved even deeper into the story, absorbed in the tranquil and engaging rhythm of the narrative. She felt grateful for the opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the world for a moment, finding refuge in the magic of the printed words. When she finally closed the book, Inès felt rejuvenated and inspired by the reading experience. She knew that that brief moment of tranquility had renewed her energy and prepared her to face the rest of the day with serenity and determination.

After enjoying moments of peace and immersion in reading, Inès decided it was time to bring some change to her life. As she walked through the city, a sudden idea came to her mind: to change her appearance. She felt a growing desire to refresh her look, a will to reflect the internal changes she had been experiencing since her return to Monaco.

Inès then headed to the only place that came to mind. Pascale's beauty salon. Pascale Leclerc was Arthur's mother. She was a lady who, despite life's adversities, always remained positive and strong. She was a warm and loving maternal figure, who always treated Inès as part of her own family. In addition to being Arthur's mother, Pascale was a talented hairdresser and owner of a beauty salon in Monaco, the Quai 28 Coiffure Mixte.