When war comes to town.

Monsieur Achilles.

*8th of January, 1940*

-166 days before-

The breeze was crisp, carrying the whispers and thoughts of all the people occupying Béatitude Street.

I tucked my loose hair behind my ears, but the wind had other ideas.

My hair blew around like a sheet of paper in a hurricane, wild and untamed.

My eyes met the eyes of another, soldier by the looks of him. His hair was slicked back and short, very formal. A shaved face, dark brown eyes and a small smile; followed by a few crooked teeth.

"Good morning, young dame. Are your parents around?" He asked nicely.

"Yes, I'll go find my Père for you. One second." I reply.

"Thank you." He answers as I walk round the side of the house.

"Père? Père! There is a man here for you!" I shout.

"Coming!" He shouts, from the backyard.

I make my way back around to the front and tap the soldiers shoulder.

He spins round to face me and smiles.

"He's coming, don't worry." I say

"Thanks, I just need to check a few things" He replies.

"Oh, Good morning! Nice to meet you...?" Père exclaims.

"Monsieur Achille." The soldier replies.

"Monsieur Selle." Père states.

They both shake hands and walk towards the front door, I trail behind curiously.

"I'm just checking to see if your basement is good enough to withstand an air-raid. Nothing to big, it will only take a minute or two." Monsieur Achilles exclaims.

"Sure, right this way." Père smiles and opens the door to the basement.

I sit quietly on the stool in the kitchen and wait for them to return.

It's only a few minutes later when I hear the voices getting louder, as the two scale the stairs.

"Well, it's good but unfortunately would most likely not be enough to stand an air-raid."

"Your neighbour's basement on the other hand seems to be enough so in the situation of an air-raid, you will stay in their basement." Monsieur Achilles explains.

"Thank you very much, Monsieur. I'm glad to know we know have a plan to keep the family safe." Père says.

"No problem. Good bye, young Dame. Stay safe." Monsieur Achilles says,

as he turns and faces me.

He turns and walks towards the door.

"Well, you heard the man. If there is an emergency, we go to the neighbour's basement. Understood?"

"Yes Père." I smile.

"Good. I'm going to finish my work outside, try not to get in too much trouble." He chuckles.

"I won't." I reply slyly.

I skip towards the front door and decide to take a walk to my friend, Olivier's house.

"I'm going to Olivier's house! Be back later!" I shout.

"Have fun, be safe." Père replies as my feet hit the icy pavement.