Leblouche's diary

25. On the way out, we fight

A few hours ago, as we were about to end a meeting on the development of a new software, Mr. Baume sent us a short public service announcement before everyone could go home.

"Before we conclude, I would like to say a word to you. I know that some of you will probably be walking home. I simply advise you to be especially vigilant." announced the manager, with a note of gravity in his voice.

"I do not want to worry you, and I apologize if I do, but Quentin, from the human resources department, was attacked last night on his way home." he added, his tone becoming more solemn.

"My God! Is he okay?" cried Angelique, almost cutting Mr. Baume off in his tracks.

"Yes, he is fine, fortunately. He has a black eye, but the attacker was not armed. Quentin filed a complaint, and the police are investigating." Mr. Baume continued. "In any case, be careful when you go home. Good evening to all." He concluded, closing his file.

It was unsettling to hear that just before leaving, we who were hoping to leave the office with peace of mind. Sure, it was kind of the manager, but it was still worrying.

As we left the building, Mariam asked me if I could walk her home, which I accepted without hesitation. As we walked, we were still talking about the incident.

Somewhere in the streets of Paris...

"It's scary to think that this could happen to one of us..." she murmured, her gaze a little lost.

"Yeah, these guys are a real public danger, and this is already the third case this month. " I replied, my tone serious.

It wasn't the first time this had affected one of us. Last week, Daniel, the parking security guard, had his phone stolen. Fortunately, he hadn't been hit like Quentin, but the incident had still left him somewhat shaken.

At Leblouche's...

"This morning, at Roissy station, an 18-year-old man was arrested for armed robbery. His victim, a pregnant woman who had just withdrawn money from the counter, narrowly escaped more serious injuries. Fortunately, the mother and child are doing well despite a few bruises," a journalist reported on television.

I shook my head, disgusted.

"A pregnant woman, too. They really have no shame. These ba*tards, they choose their victims well." I said, while petting my cat Rossu.

"Meow." Rossu meowed.

I looked at him with an amused smile.

"If someone attacked me, do you think you could defend me?" I asked jokingly.

"Meow..." he replied.

"Besides, you're a cat... Apart from scratching, I don't really see what you could do." I added with a snicker.

I take the diary on the bedside table to try to calm my frustration.

Dear diary,

While I thought this day was going to start peacefully, this morning, Mr. Lamarre gave us a speech on a shocking subject in the schoolyard.

"One of your classmates was attacked by two students from the public yesterday during the outing. Fortunately, he got away with a few bruises despite the blows he received." the principal announced. "This is the fourth attack this month, so the management has decided to take protective measures. »

Apparently, last night, a student in our class was assaulted by two students from Collège Saint-Vincent des Moulins, the school next door. It really shocked me, knowing that even if the students are known to be violent, we did everything to avoid them at all costs, and yet... It's a recent problem, but recurring, since it was the fourth time.