𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝟎𝟏𝟏. flavors of a moment

AIMÉE HATES THE RAIN. She leans against the wall, watching the football match between the teachers and the students.

The students loudly sing Le foyer, le foyer, which had been negotiated with the head supervisor if the students win this match. What makes this year even more interesting is that Madame Couret, the English teacher, is participating in the tournament.

But today, it rains heavily, and Aimée hasn't brought an umbrella. She shivers from the cold. The fact that her body is so frail doesn't help matters.

She isn't particularly fond of sporting events, but this match has attracted a lot of attention. However, her discomfort grows as the rain soaks her clothes, chilling her to the bone. Her teeth chatter involuntarily, and she huddles against herself, regretting not having thought to bring something warmer.

Suddenly, she feels a jacket settle on her shoulders. Surprised, she turns her head and comes face to face with Joseph and his eye patch. He is soaked too, the rain dripping from his clothes. Despite their recent arguments, she can't help but laugh at the sight of him like this.

Joseph gives a sideways smile. "You aren't any better off than I am, you know," he jokes, pointing to his own drenched clothes.

"You'd better keep your jacket, otherwise, you're going to catch a cold," she tells him with a concerned tone.

He shrugs nonchalantly. "It's nothing," he replies simply.

Aimée then notices the cigarette he holds in his hand, all soaked and deformed by the water. "Your cigarette didn't survive the rain," she remarks with a smile.

Joseph looks at his cigarette with a displeased pout before throwing it to the ground. "Too bad for it," he mutters.

She feels a sudden warmth rise to her cheeks as she recalls their last argument and the moment he almost kissed her. She looks away, hoping the rain will hide her slight blush. Despite this troubling thought, she chooses not to say anything about it.

The shouts of the students and the sound of the rain create a background noise that seems to isolate them from the rest of the world. For a brief moment, she forgets the worries of the day and simply lets herself soak in the present moment.

Joseph finally breaks the silence, shattering the sweet bubble of tranquility that has formed around them. "You know, I didn't expect to run into you here," he says softly, almost hesitantly.

She turns to him, meeting his earnest gaze despite the eye patch. "I didn't expect to see you in the rain either. Thanks for the jacket," she murmurs, trying to express her gratitude without saying too much.

Joseph simply nods, not breaking eye contact. It's clear he wants to say something more, but he seems hesitant, as if he fears breaking the fragile moment that has been created between them.

"It's cold today," he finally starts, breaking the silence again.

Aimée nods, lightly biting her lower lip. She knows where he's headed. They've had this conversation before, always tinged with that delicate dance between concern and the fear of saying too much.

"Have you eaten today ?" he then asks, his single eye searching hers.

She sighs slightly. "I haven't thrown up, if that's what you want to know," she replies honestly.

He gently shakes his head. "That's not what I was asking," he murmurs. His voice is soft but firm, as if he wants to break the barrier of silence that often surrounds this delicate topic between them.