La Tragédie

Act 3

      The Cartiers lived in one of many tall buildings that filled France with 32 rooms (Louis had counted them many times) and 31 families. There used to be 32, but the last one was occupied by an old woman, Madame Amiot, who had outlived the rest of her family. She lived on the very top floor, the floor where the poorest live, until she recently died vacating the room. The Cartiers used to live comfortably in the middle floor, room 20 to be exact, however since Henri died, the comforts had slowly been stripped away just so they can keep their room. Even if their room wasn't as glamorous as it once was, it was still home.

      Upon entry, everything seemed normal. A table sat in the middle of the room separating the soot filled fireplace on one end and the two beds that the three shared on the other. However, something wasn't right. The air was too still and quiet and reeked for vomit. Marie was first to find the problem as she released a blood curdling scream.

      "Maman!" Their mother did not answer as she laid there motionless on the floor. Louis did not waste a second.

      "Get her on the bed," he barked. The children worked together to pick up their mother. Louis had the feet at Marie carried her torso holding her mother's head in the crook of her shoulder. Her body was still warm, this was a good sign thought Louis, but her face was as white as the clouds above them. "You stay here, I'll go get the doctor." Louis then ran to the streets as if a life depended on it. For all he knew, it probably did. The nearest doctor lived 5 streets down. Thankfully, he was in the office. His apprentice jumped out of the way as Louis burst through the door, the bell nearly cracking from its force. "Please," Louis gasped, "Please Docteur, come quick." The doctor wasted no time asking questions and raced alongside Louis back home.

      "Hmmm," The doctor began after a long inspection. "I've seen this in a few other homes around the city, the illness of poverty." The doctor's words punched Louis in the gut.

      "Is there anything you can do?" The doctor sadly shook his head. "I can perform a bleeding, but it isn't in her best interests as she's already knocked cold. I would suggest getting tea, salts and the purest of castor oil. Of course, soaking her feet in hot water and a lot of prayer wouldn't help either." Louis' heart sank as everything the doctor listed were finery they surely could not afford. Nevertheless, Louis put on a grim smile and showed the doctor to the door.

      "Merci, Docteur." Louis shut the door behind the doctor and turned to find Marie wringing her torn, white apron, her olive complexion now pale.

      "What are we going to do now?" She whispered. Louis pulled at his shaggy brown bangs. If their mother could see them now, she would scold him and say he'll lead himself to an early balding.

      "I'll figure something out. I'll find more work in the countryside. Maybe there'll be people in need of repairs, or their house painted. I can make this work."

      "You already work yourself half to death, how will we ever add an extra expense? I don't even remember the last time I've seen castor oil, let alone laid my hands on it." Louis didn't answer. He knew in his heart that the people of France were too poor to afford an extra helping at mealtimes, let alone someone to help them do things they could do by themselves or get by without. "Do you think Monsieur Monet could pay us enough money?" Marie asked quietly.

      "Why would Monsiur-" Louis looked into Marie's eyes which were filling up with tears. "No. No I won't allow it," he said grabbing Marie by her shoulders. "I'll take care of the both of you, I just need a moment to think."

       "Of what, Louis? Our mother is wasting away while we bicker like school children when the answer is right in front of us!"

       "You have your whole life ahead of you to find love, you shouldn't have to throw it all away for a greasy old man." Marie gave Louis a sad smile.

      "You're right, I have my whole life ahead of me to learn to love Monet." Louis was at a loss for words. How was it that Marie seemed to grow up right in front of him? "Now go and tell that man we've accepted his proposal." Marie said with a shaking voice as she hooked her arm in his and half walked, half pushed Louis through the door. She then closed the door on Louis leaving him alone in the dark, empty hallway.