LA CANDIDATE

TOMATOES

The candidate spent the following days working with Paul and Keri at home. She even accepted an interview from there. Neither she nor Keri came back on their conversation. Like a midsummer night dream, it disappeared, and Severine was her old self again. Her agenda pressed her; she had no time to rest as she began her regional tour on the third day.

Severine prepped herself, but nothing could help her face the country folk. There was France and the not-forgotten but omitted Franceㅡtowns with 50 to 5k inhabitants and where Wi-Fi sounded like a satellite in orbit.

In these small towns, diversity was quasi-null. Some people had never even visited the French capital or seen a person of color in the flesh.

No matter the candidates' opinions of the other France, they were voters and part of the nation. Hence, Severine had to meet the people even if the exercise had already tired her before it began.

Severine strategically targeted towns with less than 5k inhabitants who usually voted far right, though the party found it a waste of time.

"I can't believe we're doing this," Paul complained.

Severine didn't comment, of course. Someone like Paul, born in the French capital and living in the most residential areas, didn't jump for joy at the thought of meeting the elderly or milking a cow, which seemed like an out-of-this-world experience.

A small camera crew from c16 followed them. They arrived at the first village around 9 am.

The mayor, who first refused to greet them, finally chose to play the game for the camera.

"Bienvenue Fourroche, madame."

"Merci de nous recevoir."

The journalist took the relay.

"We're here today at Fourroche for what we can call a countryside tour with presidential candidate Severine Lafarge, who is meeting voters in the smallest towns of France. Severine, tell us why you chose Fourroche and the six other towns you'll visit?" Justin Poussin asked.

Severine put on her brightest smile, hoping her Afhgan red NARS lipstick hadn't cracked with the cold. What was she saying? NARS satin never cracked, "Fourroche is part of France, and so are its people. They have needs and require as much attention as the population in bigger cities.

"Is it a coincidence that the towns and villages chosen are bastions of the far right?"

"It is," Severine said, hoping the lie would go unnoticed.

"What do you expect from this visit?" Justine asked.

"I want to understand life in these regions of France better. Some towns don't even have a doctor or a bakery. We must see how we can help in these micro-populated spaces."

They began a work through the town, consisting of a fifteen-minute walk down a street.

The morning cold froze Severine's legs. She regretted listening to her image adviser, who said it would be better to wear a suit as usual for the camera; otherwise, the town's citizens would feel she didn't give them the same importance as those in the metropole.

There was no bus system, but a school bus picked up a few children. The mayor explained that the doctor came twice a week to consult above the town pub.

"Severine, you seemed shocked. Please tell us your thoughts."

The cameraman turned the camera back to her as Severine looked at the pub.

"I didn't know a drink could save a life. It doesn't add up to me. 57% of this town's population is over 60. The pub should be a pharmacy, and the doctor should be permanent."