A Little Fall Of Rain

Prologue I

The year is 1815. Jean Valijean feels beads of sweat crawling under his arms,down his legs, and dripping down his spine. He grunts as he continues to do the hard labor he's been forced to partake in since becoming a prisoner fifteen long years ago. He had been detained by the Inspector of Police Javert, all for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving family. Suddenly he heard a rough name call "24601!" 

 Jean stood straight up, in front of him was Javert who was staring directly into his soul. "Well! 24601, your time is up and your parole has begun. this means you must carry this yellow identification with you at all times, showcasing you as an ex-convict" Javert barked. "Men like you never change, I expect to see you soon." 

 Jean eagerly took the document and left the decayed prison that was full of scoundrels, thieves, and murderers. He went from town to town, looking for places to work but was only shunned by the misconception that he was a terrible man. Hungry and exhausted he struggled to find a warm bed to sleep in and a roof above his head. He stumbled upon the Bishop of Digne's house. The Bishop of Digne was a kind, nonjudgmental man and let Jean stay the night. In the middle of the night, Jean stole the silverware from the Bishop. As he attempted to run past the town's gates he was captured by the police. They returned him to the Bishop and said; "We have caught this man taking your silverware, is this true?" 

The Bishop only replied " I gave him the silverware as a gift." With that, the police left. Jean was shocked, a man had showed him compassion. He would have been sent back to the evil, festering prison he'd spent so long escaping from. Moved by emotion Jean pledged to become an honest man. 

The Bishop walked over to Jean and handed him two silver candlesticks. "Take this on your journey." The Bishop said kindly. "Become an honest man." Jean nodded. In the morning he left the house and tore up his yellow parole document. He knew tearing up the document was illegal but he used this as a symbol that he was no longer the hardened criminal Jean Valijean, he was a new, kind man.