Fire department Is anyone home?
Wait outs de, please.
Whats the date on the mail?
The 9th.
The door's open.
They had a nurse but I haven't seen her recently.
- Are you the one who opened the windows? - No
Welcome to the Thèâtre des Champs-Elysées.
Please kindly turn off your mobile phones
and we remind you that audio orvideo tap ng is forbidden.
We wish you a wonderful show.
They used a screwdriver or something.
It doesn't look very professional.
- Who'd do a thing like that? - I've no idea.
Why does anyone try to break in? To steal something.
From us?
Why not?
If I tried, I could think of three orfour peop e we know who've been burgled.
Can't we ca I the concierge?
In the morning. Don't et this spoil your good mood.
Orthe police?
Come on give me your coat.
Imag ne if we're in bed and someone bursts in.
Why should I imag ne such a thing?
It's horrible. I th nk I'd die of fright.
Me too.
Another drink?
I'm tired.
I feel like another drink.
Do as you wish.
Mathilde sa d that in her building,
the top-storey flat was burg ed via the attic.
They made a hole in the wall,
cut the most valuable paintings out of theirframes
and d sappeared wthout a trace.
That's a professional job.
Did I ment on you ooked very pretty tonight?
What's come overyou?
Incredible semiquavers in the presto.
Such finesse!
Don't you think?
He did you proud?
What's wrong?
Nothing.
And next week?
No, but Id like it fixed as soon as possible.
It m ght give other people ideas
and it ooks pretty awful.
At what time?
Yes.
OK.
Wil you brng varnish forthe door?
A litt e primer, at least.
OK, fine.
Yes.
OK, thanks. Goodbye.
We can rely on him.
Let's hope so.
Last tme, he kept us waiting,
if you remember.
Yes, he d d. Thanks.
If I call a contractor though, we'll wait at least two months.
You think?
The Frodons waited three days when theirtoilet was blocked.
Not exacty pleasant.
The saltcellar's empty.
I don't know if he'll br ng the CD today.
Perhaps he won't come at all.
We cou d go to Virgin th s afternoon
and buy it.
What do you say?
What's going on?
What's wrong?
Anne!
It's me.
Anne?
What's going on?
What's wrong?
Sweetheart, please...
Anne, look at me.
What's wrong?
What are you doing?
You had left the water running.
Whats going on? Are you comp ete y mad?
Is this a joke?
Sorry?
Is this some kind of prank?
Are you playing a prank on me?
What prank? I dont understand.
Why that tone of voice? What's gotten into you?
Stop playing games, Anne. Its not funny.
What game forgoodness' sake? What's going on?
Why didn't you react?
To what?
To anything, to me...
- When? - Just a moment ago.
Please tell me what's wrong.
I don't know what to say.
Are you sure you don't remember what just happened?
What just happened?
You were sitting there
star ng into space
and you d dn't answer when I asked what was going on.
I used this dishcoth to dab your face and you didnt react
Look, there are stil stains on your collar.
When was this?
Just now, two minutes ago.
And?
Don't g ve me "And?"
I went to the bedroom to get dressed
and go get some help.
- Help? - Yes
Then you turned off the tap.
Yes, because you'd eft the water running.
I don't understand.
Neither do I.
I should cal Dr Bertier.
Why? What can he do?
I don't know. Examine you.
I'm fine. Nothing's wrong with me.
L sten, Anne,
this is absurd. We can't pretend noth ng happened.
But what happened n actual fact?
I'm here, hav ng my breakfast
and you're tell ng me things I don't understand.
Can you exp ain how the d shcloth got here?
No.
- Who turned the tap on? - You.
So you remember?
No.
You're trying to torture me.
Leave me a one!
Wouldn't it be betterto ca I Dr Bertier?
No.
You know him. He always has to see an idea through.
In the end, everybody was happy.
And it's a boost for ourfnances.
Were perform ng tll the 28th, then we break for 10 days,
then to Stockholm for four days,
then on to Kuhmo n Finland,
whereverthat is.
In the North Pole.
Geoff's been there before and oves it.
There, well play arrangements of Dowland.
And then t's back to London.
And the children?
Lz is at her boarding school and John...
He's doing his th ng. He's 26.
Whats he doing now?
He works.
He's very independent.
We hardly ever see him.
A bit ike Geoff.
They don't get along well.
Geoff's always trying to give him advice
and that annoys John.
Is he good?
I think so.
He's less impulsive
but conscentious.
That sounds almost pejorative.
Not at all. He's d fferent than Geoff.
He's...
Calm but persevering.
I can see him making it.
The other day, he played the solo part
n Haydn's concerto at the last Conservatory concert.
It was very good.
Geoff was there and congratulated him at the end.
What about you?
What about me?
Have you reconciled?
You know what he's like.
In September, he sudden y fe I in love with a vio a player
who'd been in ourensemble foryears.
What can I say? It caused a huge drama.
She tried to ki herself.
He got scared and came back to me
riddled with remorse.
Overthe years, I've got used to it.
What bothers me is that the who e ensemb e knows.
Do you love him?
Yes, I think so.
What was this operation for?
What do you want me to say?
They ran tests that revealed an obstruction of the carotid
which required an operation.
She was frightened.
She was confused and frightened.
Shes always been scared of doctors, you know
They sa d the surgical risks were very low
and that wthout an operat on, she'd have a more serious attack.
What do they say now?
That t didn't work.
That's all.
The 5% failure rate.
It's all terribly exciting.
Normaly, at th s time, I m asleep.
My blood sugar evel
is subterranean.
I'm really sorry.
Yes.
What can I do to help?
Nothing.
It's sweet of you to have come with all the stress you have.
Seriously, you can t do anything.
We'll see what happens when she comes back home.
We'll manage a I right.
Perhaps I'll h re a nurse
or maybe I can care for her myself.
We'I see.
Weve always coped, your mother and I.
All th s is stll a bit new.
It's funny.
Sorry if this embarrasses you,
but when I came in earlier,
I remembered listening to you two making ove when I was little.
For me it was reassuring.
It made me feel you loved each other
and that wed always be together.
Mind yourfingers.
Put those down nearthe window.
Sorry.
- For both of you. - Thank you
Goodbye then.
Thank you, Mr Mery.
If you need anything just call down.
If we can help...
Everything's f ne for now, but I'I call yourwife if we need help.
Were glad to have you back, Mrs Laurent.
Yes, thank you, Mr Mery.
If you need anything...
Yes. Thank you.
Goodbye Madam.
And once aga n, we come home.
Goodbye, Sir.
Goodbye MrMery. Thank you.
Where do you want to...
The iving room.
Shall I make some tea?
Come and sit with me first.
Could you help me into the chair?
Yes, of course.
Come as close as you can,
put your knees against mine so I don't slip,
wrap your right arm around me
and ift me up.
I'm so happy that you're back.
Me too.
Promise me something.
What?
Please dont evertake me back to the hospital.
What?
Do you promise?
- Anne... - Do you promise?
Don't speak.
Don't explain.
Please.
What can I say?
Nothing.
Say nothing.
OK?
Thanks.
Thanks, Sweetheart.
Everything OK?
Everything's OK.
You don't have to hold my hand all the time.
I can look after myse f, you know.
And don't fee guilty.
It wou d be absurd and oppressive.
For me too.
I don't feel guilty.
Good.
Go back in there now.
I'm not a cripple.
You can eave me alone for a minute. I wont fall to pieces.
OK.
Did you buy the new book on Harnoncourt?
I've already read it.
And?
You want it? I'll get it for you.
Please.
I don't know where I put it.
It doesnt matter. Its not important.
It does matter.
Hold on...
I think I eft it...
Here it s!
There's nothing ke an nfa lible memory.
I thought Id left it in the spare room,
when in fact I'd a ready put t away.
Tdy s as tidy does.
Thank you.
Right...
Now f nd yourself something to do.
Don't stand there to see how I hold the book.
OK?
OK.
I'll leave the dooropen.
Unfortunately the strawberres were a ready mushy
but I'I get you some fresh ones at the market tomorrow.
My husband will bring up the Evian later.
It's too heavy for me, with my back.
No problem.
It was 7640 euros.
Here's the receipt
and 23.60 back.
No, keep the change.
Thank you, Sir.
Right I'I be going.
Call me if you need anything.
I wll.
Is yourwfe feeling better?
Yes, she's recovering.
Good.
Give her my regards.
My husband and I are glad to have her back.
Yes, we are too.
Goodbye Mrs Mery. Thank you.
Goodbye, Sir.
I'll bring you the strawberries tomorrow noon if thats OK.
That's fine thank you.
Can you come please?
Yes.
A schmaltzy romance
between a nobleman and a commoner's daughter
who cant marry and so,
through generosity of spirit, they renounce each other.
Actualy, I'm not sure of the story any more.
I remember being overcome with emotion when I came out of the film
and it took me a while to ca m down.
Thank you.
In the courtyard of Grandma's building,
there was a young man at his window who asked me where I'd been.
He was a few years older than me, one of those f ashy types
and of course he ntmidated me.
"At the cinema," I had said.
Because I was very proud that Grandma had given me the money to go a one.
"What did you see?"
I started telling h m the story
and, as I did so, the emot on bubbled up again.
I couldnt very well cry in front of him
but I couldn't help myself.
I stood there in tears in the courtyard
and to d h m the whole damn story.
And?
What d d he do?
I've no idea.
He made fun of me, no doubt.
I don't remember.
I don't rememberthe film either.
But I remember
those emotions.
I was ashamed about crying
and yet, tel ng the story, the emot ons and tears welled up again,
even strongerthan during the film perhaps.
I couldnt stop crying.
That's sweet.
Why didn't you evertel me?
There are sti I many stories I've nevertold you.
You're not go ng to ruin your image n old age, are you?
I'd rather not.
What's my image?
You can be a monster sometmes
but you are kind.
Can I get you another drink?
F ve,
s x,
seven,
e ght,
nine,
ten.
We'll do fifteen.
Eleven,
twelve,
thirteen,
fourteen,
and ffteen!
- OK? - Yes, fine.
L sten.
My horoscope.
"Motto...
"Vivacious but serious.
"Love...
"Superior distractions are what you need.
"Work...
"Your motivation's back, but advance wth caution.
"Fitness...
"Shake off the rust with a ttle exercise
"to get your momentum back. "
You'll on y have yourself to blame f you read that nonsense
Tomorrow afternoon s Pierres funeral.
You must go.
Yes, I think so.
But I really don't want to.
It's rare to want to attend a funeral.
I know some exceptions.
Annette can't wait to get dolled up.
- And that imbecle François... - That's mean.
What would you say if no one came to yours?
Probably nothing.
Have you spoken
to Jeanne since I was taken to the hospital?
Does she know that I can't go?
Yes, of course.
What d d she say?
She was shocked.
What do you mean?
I don't know.
What's anyone I ke when theyre shocked?
She was speech ess she couldn't be eve it.
I don't know.
I mean, not precisely.
You know I spoke to a ot of people.
I'm sorry.
I should be the one apo ogising. I didn't mean t nastily.
But what's the po nt constantly going on about it?
I constantly go on about it?
No.
I apolog se.
What the...
How come you're home already?
What tme s it?
Forgive me.
I was too slow.
Could you push me into the liv ng room?
Yes.
You always were good at surprises.
Yes.
Why did you come back early?
I didn't come back eary. I caught a cab.
There's not much traffic on Saturdays.
True.
How was the funeral?
How d d it go?
Tell me.
It was pretty strange.
The prest was an idiot.
A former co-worker of P erre's
stood up and gave a terr b y pathet c speech.
His old secretary brought a ong a tape player, a mini-tape player,
and put on Yesterday by The Beatles.
You can't imagine.
Everybody turned to look at her.
Apparently, it was unplanned.
Pierre's grandchildren were there.
Of course, they started gigg ing when the mus c began.
And then,
the urn was placed on a huge gurney
that was clearly designed to carry a coffin
and out we went into the rain.
They placed the urn on a sma I electric cart
that crawled along for an eternity
until it reached the small hole theyd dug.
A lot of people were laughing hard.
It must have been awful for Jeanne.
There's no reason to go on iving.
I know it can on y get worse.
Why must I infict that on us?
On you and on me.
You're infl cting nothing on me.
You don't have to ie Georges.
Put yourself in my shoes.
Haven't you ever thought it could happen to me, too?
Of course I have.
But imagination and reality have very Itt e in common.
It's improving every day.
I don't want to go on.
Everything you're doing to make t bearable is touching
but I don't want to go on.
For my sake Not yours.
I don't believe you.
I know you.
You th nk you're a burden on me.
But if you were in my shoes, what would you do?
I've no idea.
I don't want to think about what Id do.
I'm tired.
I want to go to bed.
Hello there!
What a nice surprse!
Forgive the ntrusion I tried ca ing severa times, but got no answer.
Sorry, I only pick up when the number's in the memory
and I know who's ca ling.
Come on in.
I'm terrbly sorry I couldnt drop by afterthe concert.
I was so glad you could make it.
Come in.
Yesterday, my agent ca led me
because I'm making a record in June
and I had to choose a stud o a piano...
So I caught the morn ng flight to Paris
and when I got to my hotel, I decided to drop by
It's nearby.
It's nice of you.
These are for yourwife.
Thank you.
Is she in?
She is. I'll go and get her.
Please have a seat.
I hope this isn't a bad t me?
Not at all. It's good to see you.
Have a seat.
We were so thrilled by yourconcert, my wife and I.
We were looking forward to seeing you aga n.
Can I get you something to drink?
- Tea? - No, thank you.
I'll just put the flowers in water and tell herthat you're here.
I won't be a moment.
Alexandre!
How de ghtful It's ovely to see you.
Mrs Laurent,
the pleasures mine.
Have a seat.
Go on have a seat
and don't look so a armed.
I'm extremely proud of you.
We were in raptures afteryour concert.
The very next morning Georges said he wanted to buy your new CD.
Oh dear.
I meant to brng you one and totally forgot.
I left in such a haste.
- I' try to find one today and... - No, please.
Let us contrbute to your success,
even fit's only 20 euros.
You've already made a great contribution.
I owe you a lot.
You owe it to your hard work and talent.
You rememberthe first time you asked me to play Bagatelles?
I was 12.
With my youthful arrogance I asked, 'Why some Bagatelles?"
Remember?
You realy chewed me out that day.
What happened to you?
I'm paralysed down my right side.
It happens with age.
How?
Let's change the subject, shal we?
Sure.
Don't be offended,
but I want to make the most of your lovely surprise visit.
Of course.
You st I havent told us al that's happened since yourconcert in Paris.
I've been in London most of the time,
except two concerts in Copenhagen,
Schubert again The Impromptus and Moments Musicaux.
My life revolves around Schubert right now.
Ideally I'd I ke to record a the sonatas.
But the last ones can wait a few years.
Wil you do me a favour?
Yes.
Would you p ay the Bagatelle n G Minor?
I havent played t n ages.
I'm not sure I remember it.
If you want, I can try but...
Try.
What's wrong?
What are you doing?
Have you lost your mind?
I dont believe it.
Look what you've done.
Can t you call me when you need something?
- I'm sorry. - Yes.
Me too.
Sorry.
The amp's broken, too.
Yes?
Whos there?
What's going on?
Who s it?
Is anyone there?
Georges? Whats going on?
What's wrong?
Calm down.
What was it?
Eva.
They'I be here on the 12th.
How come?
Don't ask me.
Apparently, shes coming with Geoff.
When?
I don't know exactly Whats today s date?
I'll check.
I dont want that.
- What? - For Geoff to come. It's not necessary.
I don't need any comments on my state.
His Brtsh humour is bearable on y n sma I doses.
"Dear Mrs Laurent and Mr Laurent,
'I spent a beautiful and sad moment with you.
'I hope with al my heart that everything works out.
"With the deep affection of yourformer pupil,
"Alexandre. "
Turn the music off.
Where are the photo albums?
The photo albums?
I don't know.
In the spare room, I think.
Why?
Can you bring them?
Now?
Why now?
I'd like to look at them.
Please.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
It's beautiful.
What?
Lfe.
So ong.
Long life.
Stop observing me.
I'm not observing you.
Of course you are.
I'm not that stupid just yet.
'... from the twin angles of style and substance
"Benjam n Netanyahu
"will at ast be granted a state v sit with full honours,
"photo and handshakes
"and joint press conference
"ntended as a conspicuous demonstration of the reconciliat on between
"Israel and America. "
You're soaking wet.
How come?
Hold on.
It's no big deal.
Come on.
Don't get annoyed.
Calm down.
Perhaps its betterto invest the money in build ngs to rent
If inflation takes off again property is the safest option.
At the moment,
sav ngs accounts pay 1.75%.
That's a good rate.
Fouryears ago,
Geoff bought some stock wth a little nest egg
and everything collapsed.
So now we're worred, obviously.
At the same time,
other peop e had the same idea. House prices are booming.
Since I got back from Scandinavia, I've become addicted to the classifieds.
We'I see.
It takes time. We' I find something eventually.
I've...
Grandmother...
Woman with house...
Not...
House...
After...
Money...
I'm sorry, Mummy, I dont understand.
I don't understand what you re saying.
Right away...
That's all...
House sale...
Not...
In a snap...
So fast...
God its hard...
To say...
House sold...
Money gone...
Gone...
As wel as...
The house...
What house?
The house...
As we I...
Grandmother...
Three tmes a week.
I have no experience with it. We'll see if t's enough
How much s she asking?
It's paid by the hour.
We'I see.
What about her?
Anne?
It's hard to explain.
Sometmes t's as if she's tota y unaware of herstate.
A moment ater, t's the opposite.
What does the doctorsay?
Shes talking g bberish.
What's going on?
We can't leave her lying there like that.
Shes unrecognisable It's mad.
We can't do anything for now.
Shes under treatment, she has medication.
There's noth ng else we can do.
Nothing else we can do? Why not hosp talise her?
She had a second stroke.
Bertierexamined her
and th nks we can spare her the battery of routine hosp ta tests.
They wouldnt keep her anyway.
They'd send her to a hospice.
What they do there, we can do here.
Shes not going into a home.
I prom sed herthat.
Don't you th nk you're taking on too much?
Do you have a better idea?
I can't be eve that these days there aren't more effective treatments.
Nothing's stopping you from finding out.
I presume you understand that I love your motheras much as you.
So please don't treat me like a moron
who cant even do the sens ble thing.
I didnt say that.
I simply wonder if this
is the best solution.
How about a second opinion?
OK, stop t both of you.
Another doctor came by. He agreed with Bertier.
Starting Monday, a nurse wi I come three times a week.
Happy?
Can we ta k about something else now?
Such as?
...behind the shou der and push on her buttocks.
Hold her like that with the elbow
and put the nappy on.
You have to push behind her.
Push hard.
And then slowly back.
Stretch her leg out.
There we are.
Now can you grab the sheet? I'll help.
Pull...
Now, pull the nappy
like this.
That's right.
And now on our back again.
Put the nappy on and attach t with the ittle straps.
Here you go, Sweetheart. I hope you'll like it.
I added a little peach juice.
It tastes qu te good.
Come on, Sweetheart, you on y ate three mouthfuls.
Come on.
Sorry.
Mummy...
At concert...
No dress.
No dress Mummy at the concert?
Hurts!
Let's do the other side.
Hurts!
Were done Let's rinse you off.
Is the temperature OK?
I'm going to tp you forward.
Don't be scared, I'm here.
Very good.
She could do 8:00-12:00 and I'd do 2:00-6:00 in the afternoon.
Or 300-700.
Let me think about it.
Shell need some notice.
Of course. I'll let you know n the next few days.
Very well.
I'd better be going.
Thanks forthe coffee.
My pleasure.
I'll see you out.
Don't take it to heart.
Generally they always say something.
She cou d just as easiy be saying, "Mum, mum mum!"
It's a reflex.
I know.
Goodbye, Sir.
I'd like to hire another nurse.
They could work in shifts.
That would simp fy things.
What do you think?
Hurts.
Would you put them in the kitchen?
I'm home!
Thank you very much.
Can I do anything e se Sir?
No, thank you. You've been a big help.
It's nothing. Thank you very much.
I'll call you f necessary.
With p easure, Sir.
Goodbye.
May I make a remark?
Yes.
My wfe and I...
We're very mpressed by the way you're coping.
Hats off to you.
That's very k nd. Thank you.
See you soon.
- Give my regards to yourwife. - I certainly will.
Hello Eva, how are you?
Were fine.
There you go.
You want to look yourvery best
so everybody can admire you.
There.
You want a look?
Hold on.
Well?
Isn't she beautiful?
Get out!
Whatever you say, Sir.
I don't know f you realise,
I gave up another job to work here.
You shou d've thought through if you needed a second nurse.
Then, I had no idea how incompetent you are.
What does that mean?
I won't discuss t with you and you wouldn't understand anyway.
Nobody has ever complained about me before.
Good for you. How much do I owe you?
780 euros.
Th s has never happened to me.
Who do you think you are? I've been doing this foryears.
I don't need you to teach me my job.
Do you have 20 euros?
- No. - Take the 800 and leave.
You're a mean old man.
I pity you.
I sincerely hope that one day somebody treats you I ke you treat your patients
and that you have no way to defend yourself.
Now get out of my sight.
Get out Go.
Fuck you, you o d prick!
Open your mouth.
Come on...
Open your mouth.
Please!
Please...
Stop that.
If you don't drink, you' I die.
Is that what you want?
Please.
For Chrst's sake.
You can't force me to et you die of thirst.
If you keep this up, Bertierwll hospita ise you.
They'll feed you artf cially there.
Is that what you want?
I prom sed to spare you that, but I need your he p.
It's too much for me.
Come on, Anne.
Drink it now.
There you go.
That's good.
Go on drink it!
I'm sorry.
Forgive me.
- Who's there? - It's me.
Eva?
Yes.
Just a moment.
What was the problem?
Nothing, I was in the toilet.
No come in.
Why the surprise visit?
Whats going on with Mum?
Nothing.
Should something be?
Wont you sit down first?
How come you're in Paris?
What's going on with Mum? Why dont you ever answerthe phone?
Since we spoke, I've left four messages. Why haven't you called me back?
I'm sorry, I don't sten to the messages.
Doesn't it occurto you that were concerned?
Your concern is of no use to me.
Don't take t personally.
I'm not crit cising you.
I don't have time to deal with your concern.
Dad!
No, let's stop this conversation.
As was to be expected, your mothers in a bad way.
Shes increas ngly like a defenceless child.
It's sad and humiliating for both her and me.
She doesn t want anyone to see her like this.
When you both came last time, she didn't want you here.
You two have your Ife and that's fine. Leave us ours.
- OK? - Dad, whats gotten into you?
Nothing I m just surprised by your visit
and it annoys me to see you breeze n here
saying whats right.
Who do you think you are?
Stay here please.
Please.
Mum?
Are you out of your mind?
- Sit down. - I don't want to s t What's going on here?
Nothings going on. I just want to avoid unnecessary drama.
I imagine your mother's asleep. She s eeps all day.
She wakes up at night though.
If you insist, we'll look in on her later.
Now, come and sit down.
Every day, we do our speech exercises
orwe sing together.
I usually wake up around 5:00.
At that time, she's not asleep yet.
We change her nappy.
I put cream on herto avoid bed sores
and around 7:00, I try to conv nce her to have something to eat and drink.
Sometimes I succeed sometimes I don t.
Sometimes she talks about her ch dhood
or she ca Is for help for hours on end.
Suddenly, she'll burst out aughing
or she' start weeping.
None of all that deserves to be shown.
You can't ban me from seeing her.
No.
It's me Mum.
Can I do anything foryou?
The tea's not very hot
but it warms you up.
Thanks.
It was silly of me to lock the door.
I'm sorry.
I was surprised.
I'm sorry.
What happens now?
What happens?
The nurse comes three times a week.
Every two weeks, Dr Bertierand the hairdresser come.
Is that what you wanted to know?
What happens now is what's happened until now.
It wll go steadily downhill for a wh e and then one day it'll be over.
You can't go on ke th s Dad.
- I cant? - No.
What do you suggest?
Can't we have a serious talk about it?
What do you ca I a serious talk?
You want Mum to live with you?
You want to pack her off to a home? Is that what you want?
Go on,
talk serious y with me.
Really long...
Yes, sw nging back and forth.
Back Forth...
You.
Very serious...
L ke that...
Serious...
Yes, I was very uptight.
Yes... Uptight...
It was...
Nice.
Hurts!
What's wrong?
Where does it hurt?
What's the matter?
Is it the nappy?
Is it full?
No.
Where does it hurt?
It's all right.
I'm here.
Everything's all right.
Let's...
Shall I tell you a story?
But you have to stay quiet because I can't talk too loudly.
It tires me out.
When I was very young...
Actua y, I wasn't that young.
I think it was
at the end of primary school.
So I must have been about ten.
Mum and Dad sent me to a summer camp.
They thought it'd do me good to be wth children my age.
The camp was based n an old cast e
in the middle of a forest in Auvergne I think.
No, I can t remember.
In any case, it was the oppos te of what I'd expected.
We had to get up at 6:00 in the morning
to go fora swim in a lake.
It was a little ake
nearthe cast e
that was fed by an ice-cold mountain stream.
We had to run and jump into t in pairs.
You know I was never very sporty.
The whole programme was designed
to keep us on the move all day long.
It was probab y ntended to
nip in the bud
any potentia pubescent impulses.
The food was the worst part.
The th rd day afterwe arrived,
for lunch,
we were g ven rce pudding.
I hate rice pudding.
We were sitting at long tables
in an immense hall.
I didn't want to eat the stuff.
A counse lor
sa d to me,
"You're not leaving
"unt you finish your plate. "
Afterthe meal, everybody got up and left
and I was left alone
in tears.
Mum and I had made a secret pact.
I was to write her every week.
I was to send her a postcard.
If I was enjoying camp,
I was to draw flowers on it
and f I wasn t,
stars.
She kept that card.
It was
covered in stars.
Afterthree hours, I was fnally allowed to leave.
I went up to my room
and got into bed.
I was runn ng a feverof over40.
It was diphtheria.
They took me
to the nearest hosp tal
where I was kept in isolation.
So when Mum came to see me
she could only wave to me through the glass.
Somewhere a ong the line, I ost the card.
It's a shame.
I'm a most done.
You can put your shoes on f you want.
Thank you.
You're not taking a coat?