The ache in her back didnt stop her as she made her way to the door.
MarieAntoinette wiped her damp hands, winced from the pain, and headed for the entrance. A timid knock soundedalready the third one. She was busy cleaning a window and hadnt yet stepped into the hallway Behind the door stood a very pretty, pale girl with weary eyes.
MarieAntoinette, I was told you might rent a room? the girl asked.
Those neighbors! Always sending someone! I dont rent rooms, I never have, MarieAntoinette snapped.
But I heard you have three rooms, the girl persisted.
And what of it? Why should I be forced to rent? Im used to living alone, replied MarieAntoinette.
Excuse me. I was told youre religious, so I thought
The girl tried to hide tears welling up, turned, and began to descend the stairs slowly, her shoulders trembling.
Sweetheart, come back! I havent refused you yet! Young people these days are so sensitive, they cry over nothing. Come inside, well talk. Whats your name? Can we speak informally?
Manon, she whispered.
Manon? The sea ever call to you, little one?
I have no father. Im an orphan. No mother either. I was found in a building lobby by kind people and taken to the police. I wasnt even a month old.
Dont be upset. Come, have some tea and well chat. Hungry?
No, I bought a small roll.
A roll! Ah, youthnever thinking of yourselves, and by thirty you have stomach ulcers. Sit down, theres hot pea soup and a little tea well warm. I have plenty of jam. My husband died five years ago, yet I still stock for two out of habit. Well eat, then youll help me finish the window.
MarieAntoinette, may I do something else? My head spins, Im afraid Ill fall out the windowIm pregnant.
Well, thats my luck! You gave yourself up?
Why jump to that? Im married. Julien, from the same orphanage as me. He was called to the army, just got leave. When the landlady learned I was expecting, she fired me. She gave me a week to find new lodging. We lived nearby, but you seecircumstances
Circumstances What am I to do with you? Well move my bed into Pauls room, youll take my room. I wont take any money from youdont even think about it, it would anger me. Gather your things.
I dont have far to go. All our belongings are in a sack at the bottom of the building. The week has passed and Ive already visited several houses this morning with my stuff.
Thus they became a pair. Manon continued her studies to become a lightclothing designer. MarieAntoinette had been disabled for years after a severe train crash, so she stayed home, knitting lace doilies, collars, childrens slippers and selling them at the nearby market. Her pieces sold well for their delicate, seafoam lightness. Money never lacked; part of it came from selling garden produce. Saturdays they worked together in the garden; Sundays MarieAntoinette attended church while Manon stayed home, answering letters from her dear Julien. She rarely went to church, complaining of back and head pain.
One Saturday, while they were at the cottage finishing the harvest and preparing the soil for winter, Manon grew tired quickly. MarieAntoinette sent her back to the small cabin to rest and listen to the old 45rpm records they had bought with her husband. After raking, the pregnant woman lay down to relax. MarieAntoinette tossed dry branches onto the fire, lost in thought. Suddenly she heard Manon scream, Mom! Mom! Hurry!
Heart pounding, forgetting her own aching limbs, MarieAntoinette rushed to the cabin. Manon clutched her belly, crying. She quickly persuaded the neighbor to help, and in the fastest possible Renault they sped to the maternity ward. Manon wailed, Mom, it hurts! Its too early, too early! I should deliver in midJanuary. Pray for me, you know how! MarieAntoinette sobbed, praying nonstop.
Manon was placed on a stretcher from the reception while the neighbor left a tearfilled MarieAntoinette alone at home. She prayed all night to the Holy Virgin for the babys safety. The next morning she called the maternity unit.
The baby is fine. She kept calling for you and Julien, cried, then calmed and fell asleep. The doctor says theres no longer any risk of miscarriage, but shell need to stay with us a few weeks. Her hemoglobin is lowmake sure she eats and rests well.
When Manon left, they talked until midnight, Manon never ceasing to mention Julien.
He isnt a found child like me. Hes an orphan too. We grew up together in the orphanagefriends at school, then lovers. Hes caring, more than love, I think. He writes often. Want to see his picture? Hes the second from the right, smiling
Handsome boy MarieAntoinette didnt want to fatigue Manon. Her glasses needed a change, and the soldiers photo was tiny; she could only see outlines. Manon, why did you call me mom in the garden?
Oh, I forgot, out of fear. Its an orphanage habiteveryone is a dad or mom, from the director to the plumber. Ive almost outgrown it, but when Im stressed I call everyone my mother. Sorry.
I understand MarieAntoinette sighed, disappointed.
Aunt Marie, tell me about yourself. Why are there no photos of your husband or children in the apartment? You have no children, I guess?
No, none. I once had a son, but he died before his first birthday. After the accident I couldnt have more children. My husband was like my child; I adored him, I only knew how to love him. He was, to me, what your Julien is to youthe only person in the world. When I buried him I removed all pictures. Though Im religious and know hes with God, it was too painful to see his face and weep. I hid them. He needs my prayers, not my tears. Could you ask Julien for a larger photo so we can frame it? I need a frame somewhere.
On Christmas Eve, MarieAntoinette and Manon prepared for the holidays, decorating, speaking of the baby Jesus and awaiting the first star. Manon kept getting up, sitting, rubbing her lower back.
Youre not well, dear. You dont listen to me. Why are you fidgeting like a child?
Aunt Marie, call an ambulance. Im going into labor.
My dear, isnt it still far off?
I must have misjudged. Call quickly, I cant wait.
Half an hour later the ambulance was already at the hospital. On December25, Manon gave birth to a little girl. That day MarieAntoinette sent a telegram to the young father with the happy news.
January was busy. The baby brought joy and new worries. With Juliens consent, Manon named the child Marie. MarieAntoinette wept with emotion. Little Marie filled their days with sleeplessness, thrush, capriceshappy troubles. MarieAntoinettes chronic pains seemed a little lighter.
One particularly mild winter day MarieAntoinette went shopping. Returning, she found Manon at the door with a strollerthe new mother had taken the baby for a walk.
Enjoy the stroll, okay, Aunt Marie? Manon asked.
Yes, Ill start preparing lunch, MarieAntoinette replied.
Inside, MarieAntoinette glanced at the table and saw her husbands photograph in a frame. She smiled, You finally found it. You chose a picture from his youth. Young people dont like looking at old things.
The soup simmered nicely when Manon returned with baby Marie, helped by a young neighbor with the stroller. They gently placed the infant, whose tiny nose was peacefully asleep, and slipped quietly into the large room.
Manon, MarieAntoinette said with a smile, how did you find Sachas photos?
I dont get why you ask, Manon replied.
This? MarieAntoinette pointed.
You asked me to get a larger picture of Julien. He went to a studio; I found the frame on the bookshelf.
MarieAntoinette took the photo with trembling hands. Only then did she realize it wasnt her husband. The young sergeant in the picture grinned mischievously at the photographer. She sat down on the couch, pale and distant, staring ahead. Turning to Man
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