It was not unusual for Ruh to come back coughing,

and accompanied by a doctor.

But it was unusual for him to come back bleeding.

And in such a tiring way, his mouth covered with his hand.

Once home, Léa wondered.

The days flew by.

Ruh had brought plenty of food, even barley sugar;

This is something Léa appreciates.

His mysterious comings and goings continued, and now intrigued the little girl.

One day, she came to him while he was getting ready.

‘Dad, can you take me with you wherever you go?

- Ruh froze for a moment, then continued: ‘Why don't you like playing in the fields and at home any more? Do you need anything?

- You should take her with you, Ruh, so she doesn't worry any more, and then we could have a picnic during a break?

- Oh yes! Good idea, Dad! Léa shouted, before moving off.

- She left without me even saying yes,’ Ruh huffed.

. . .

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

Faced with Léa's extreme haste, Ruh decided to follow in her footsteps,

leaving Habib in charge of the dishes.

He had left her a leaflet with all the advice on how to prepare the food.

Father and daughter moved on until they arrived at a manor house with a pond at its entrance.

The house had a beautiful architecture;

Sometimes golden, sometimes crimson.

The water gave contrast to this image,

Like a peasant facing a page.

‘Stay here Léa, it won't take long.

This is where I work, for our governor, the good one.

- All right, hoho! Don't hang around too long! If Habib arrives I'll eat everything

Before you get back!’

The door opened and Ruh disappeared.

Léa takes the opportunity to soak her little feet in the pond.

She even took the opportunity to play with it a bit, since Ruh would be back in time.

And two tall men with the distinctive look and costume of the plebs appeared.

‘She's so cute! said one warmly.

- Let's stay with her for a while before going to see the governor!'

One of them took out a plastic duck from his belongings and placed it in the blessed woman's hands.

The second gave her a cold drink to keep her cool in the heat.

‘What's your name, little one?'