Chapter 6 — The Moon’s Cave

It wasn't until that third day of training that any member of the circus went to town. Certainly, they have been there before and knew it – and the people were already aware of their presence on the southwestern outskirts of this, but none of them had left the camp since their arrival; and although it could be considered that it was due to the hard work of that couple of days, the truth was other... and it had not crossed Elsa's mind until that day, when Barry, after Jacub's accident, invited everyone to go to the city to calm tensions and distract themselves.

─Come on, what you say? ─he asked them─. Do you want to go to the town?

─Now? ─Matthieu questioned, puzzled─. Do you want to go to town, now, after this? Have we not had enough stress for one day?

─Precisely because it has been a stressful situation, we could use a little distraction ─continued Barry, as affable as always─. We have been training and practicing for three days and organizing the circus and everything… We could use a little distraction.

─I agree ─Clothilde seconded─. Also, we need supplies and a new pulley, it seems. How long have we been with that one?

─About ten years ─Louis replied.

─Really?

─I'm surprised it could uplift Ms. Ludgate in the first instance ─commented Tilda.

─Alright, then ─Clothilde continued─. It is decided! Let's go to town! While there, we could take Jacub to see a doctor. Who knows what could someone need after being electrocuted four times? And that's something you might want to know too, Miss Ludgate, in case, you know... it happens again.

─Oh no ─Elsa said─. I'd rather not go to town, please.

─Why? Are you afraid of electrocuting someone else? ─Matthieu questioned, brute.

─Yes… ─Elsa answered sincerely─. I’d rather not to be in a social environment.

─Well, you will be in one every night from a few days onwards ─Giusseppe said now─. So, you better get over that fear and go with the boys. Besides, you could also choose the props you want to use in your act… You know… Light bulbs that you like, clothes, makeup, all of that.

─Are you crazy, Giusseppe? ─Matthieu exclaimed─. What if she electrocutes someone else?

─Better ─said Tilda─. That way they will stop bothering and making fun of us...

Elsa could only watch her companions debate about it, and she shook her head in disapproving fear.

─Shut up ─Giusseppe told them─. Elsa, this is important. You must remove your stage fright and that will not happen if you fear going to the city and interacting with people. I'm not asking you; I'm ordering you. Put on as many clothes as you consider necessary, but go with them.

─You do not want to come, Giusseppe? ─Barry asked.

─No, no… someone must stay to take care of the place.

─Raoul and Wally can take care of that ...

─Nah ─Giusseppe continued─. I'm too old to go to the city. You go. Just don't take too long. We don't want to have problems.

─Naturally ─Clothilde replied─. Come on, girls, boys, to town!

Unable to protest about it, despite the fact that she disliked the idea in its entirety, Elsa changed her clothes to a dress, sweater, stockings and gloves with which she could go with her companions to the city.

─Come on, dear ─Ann Marie told her─. Bordeaux is a beautiful city, I tell you. So big and with so many things to see...

─I don't question that ─Elsa replied─, but I really get nervous if there are many people around me. I mean, you saw what happened a while ago...

─Oh ja, I saw it ─Ann Marie smiled suggestively─. I saw it…

Elsa gave a laugh through her nose, then reproaching her.

─You shouldn't react that way ─she said─. Don't you say that you and Jacub are almost brothers? I almost killed him...

─We are; and if that had been the case, I would act entirely differently ─continued Ann Marie─. But what happened was something else. You say you almost killed him – and it's true, but what I saw is how your kiss brought him back… How about that, uh? Isn't it the best compliment one can get? Oh, my sweet lady! ─she exclaimed, clasping her hands and bringing them to her chest in a dramatic romantic gesture while exclaiming with naive passion─. Your kiss has saved me… Isn't that a sign that we should be together? It's very Jane Austen, isn't it?

Elsa made an effort to cover her mouth with her beforehand to avoid showing that the nonsense Ann Marie was joking made her laugh.

─More Mary Shelley if you ask me ─she said─. Dr Frankenstein brought his creature to life by lightning. In any case, I have more in common with him than with Elizabeth Bennet… and even more with any of Lovecraft's creatures.

─That's what you say, but, at the end of the day, aren't all stories about the same? The search for true love?

─Why does everyone keep nagging me with that? ─Elsa claimed, making an effort to comb her hair raised by the anxiety she felt.

─Because it's fun to bother you with that, mein liebe ─Ann Marie smiled, leaning back on the table behind her─. You don't want to fall in love...

─It's not that I don't want to, but that I can't ─Elsa claimed.

─Ah, but don't you know that love can do everything? ─joked the redhead.

─Please, enough with that...

─Who knows? Maybe that's what you need to settle your matter, dear… You know, like in your act. The Jellyfish Girl falls in love and her heart ignites and...

─That won't happen. No with me. I know what I'm saying ─Elsa emphasized.

─And I know what I'm telling you, liebe, if it has to happen, it will. Love is inevitable… and I know you know that I'm right because you haven't managed to make your hair in all this talk; and therefore, that you are nervous and that I am right.

─I'm not nervous, I'm stressed. And you're not helping me avoid it. Oh! ─she despaired throwing the comb aside─. I'm in a circus, what does my hairstyle matter?

─Ja... ─Ann Marie shrugged her shoulders─. Especially if it will rise again... and which will surely happen when you see Jacub.

─Please, I ask you ─Elsa stood in front of her seriously─, enough with that.

Ann Marie, with a mischievous smile, shrugged on one shoulder.

─I'm just saying what I saw, liebe ─she answered─. When you shocked him, we all freaked out. But it was you who reacted more dramatically… well, you and Matthieu ─she joked─. But you worried...

─I got worried because it was my fault…

─But you wouldn't have done it the way you did if it had been any of the others… nor would you have reacted with that emotion, let alone holding hands… Oh ja, I saw it… And you don't have to blush in glitter like you're doing it (and which is also a tell-tale gesture) for that. I'm not saying this to annoy you (well, not entirely), but because, well… I appreciate Jacub and he likes you and… if you like him, why not admit it?

─Because I can't...

─You can't touch people, that doesn't mean you can't feel something for them. Love goes beyond touch. If you like him, stop trying to convince yourself the opposite, that nothing is more stressful (and therefore worse for your condition) than denying what you want.

Elsa pursed her lips and looked down at the ground.

─I've never thought of it that way… ─she said.

─That's why I'm the smartest in this group ─Ann Marie joked.

Elsa gave another laugh and fixed her eyes on the redhead, hesitant.

─I'll think about it, alright?

─Do as your heart commands you ─Ann Marie winked at her with a certain sardonic tone in her words.

─Sure, my heart… ─Elsa scoffed.

─Now come on, that they must be waiting for us and you are just talking about love... ─Ann Marie hastened, escorting her out of the tent.

Elsa hated talking or even thinking about romantic topics, never considering them anything more than an annoyance to herself. Whenever a boy liked her (and even if she didn't), she ended up getting into trouble. The number of pretenders she had wounded and feared was considerable; and surely, if she had a heart, she would be most afflicted by the sadness that this could cause her. At the very least, that was the advantage of her condition, right? Without a heart, it would be more difficult for someone to hurt her… and yet this was something she had never been absent from. On the other hand, she had read somewhere that feelings do not come from the heart organ, but from substances that the brain produces and that are often mixed up with the sexual, so the absence of a heart did not really influence what that she felt towards others, right? She could not say... and even guess these thoughts nagged her as she went to the truck to go to the city.

However, one thing was certain: the sensation of resting her lips against someone else's had been pleasant and to think that that same someone had told her that her eyes were captivating and her lips desirable and that the sparkle of her cheeks (a defect according to her) something charming, made her increase the amount of air she absorbed when thinking about it by 50% and increase her shining by 25%. So, it was not an unpleasant sensation. Quite the opposite. What if Ann Marie was right at all? She struggled to avoid rambling on these thoughts and to concentrate on the road to Bordeaux.

*****

Ann Marie was right… at least in what she said about Bordeaux. It was a most impressive city. Very different from Les Moulins, which was a small, almost country town in the south of France, Bordeaux was a true city, full of tall and extensive buildings and constructions that would easily make anyone feel like if it were on a fairy tale. In the distance, the Garonne river appeared, shining under a sunny afternoon that made Elsa distracted from her questions for a few minutes – but not so her companions.

─Ah, the Garonne ... ─sighed Tilda─. What a dull river. If you really want to see a beautiful river, Elsa, you should see the ones in Strasbourg. That is a fairy tale.

─Agh! Strasbourg? ─Matthieu replied spitefully─. French Switzerland?

─Damn, yes… You know I come from there and that place is beautiful. Bordeaux, uh...

─Well, if you manage to get someone to hire us in Strasbourg, go ahead ─Clothilde commented─. But in the meantime, do not despise the place where we will earn money...

─What do you think, Miss Ludgate? ─Barry asked her now.

─It's nice, yes ... ─she responded─. I like it… although Strasbourg must be nice too.

─It doesn't even compare ─Tilda reiterated.

─Again with Strasbourg! ─claimed Louis, driving and holding a cigarette between his lips tight.

─What? I like it! It's where I come from!

Despite the fact that the discussion took place with some shouting between the pair, the group did not find it more than an absurd situation; and Elsa herself considered it nothing more than something a bit fun.

─It's always the same ─Jacub said, sitting next to her─. Wherever we go, someone starts arguing saying that one place is better than the other. Don’t worry. You'll get used to this yelling… eventually.

─It doesn't bother me ─Elsa replied, then pursed her lips and looking at Jacub for a couple of seconds─. How you feel? Are you okay?

Jacub considered it for a moment. His own hair was still elevated by a few inches by the four electric shocks from before.

─Yes, I think so ─he said─. Well, I mean, considering what happened a while ago, yes, I'm fine...

─I'm glad ─Elsa smiled softly─. I never thanked you, by the way… For not letting me fall to the ground and all that. Thank you.

─Eh, it's nothing… ─Jacub shrugged─. It was worth it, right?

Elsa blew a laugh through her nose. Several questions ran through her mind, but none reached her lips. This was not the time to carry them out.

─If you say so… ─she limited herself to say, then focusing her gaze again on the landscape into which the car was entering.

It didn't take them more than half an hour to go downtown. As refined and sophisticated as Elsa was, she and her group were no less distracting to its inhabitants, who soon identified them as the circus that had arrived. If the worn logo on the side of the truck was not enough to present them as such, the attire and general attitude of the staff gave them away with some ease. After all, they were a large group, colourful, and despite frequent discussions among several of their members over one matter or another, quite lively. Therefore, the only people who could be part of something like that had to be a circus... or maybe gypsies.

"What would a gypsy circus look like?" Elsa wondered as she analysed the notorious perception, partly animated, partly reluctant, of the citizens when they saw the group arrive on the streets and soon begin to distribute themselves to the different places where they would make the necessary purchases. Truth be told, she liked the fact that, although she attracted people's attention, it was not specifically because of her, but because of the group she was with. Somehow it made her feel less of a freak – and even more with the little or no attention that her peers returned to people.

Barry and Clothilde were most cordial – the man even raised his bowler hat when catching glances with someone; Matthieu seemed to act more flirtatious, smiling and casting long glances at young women – and puffing out his chest with some bravado when a man looked at him with distaste; Ann Marie was not even paying attention to the people, more excited to look at the shelves and comment on the beauty of those bricked streets and the majesty of the impressive and detailed walls of the buildings that surrounded them in the narrow streets they were walking through; Louis and Tilda became arrogant, arm in arm as they carried a firm pose and a look that ignored their observers; and Jacub, who was the other person who went to Elsa's side apart from Ann Marie, simply showed a disinterest in the environment, with one eyebrow raised over the other in a rather tired and absent look from his surroundings – very similar to the that he wore when Elsa saw him for the first time. She remembered then that at that time such a question had seemed arrogant and unkind, and a strange reflection crossed her mind: if Jacub and the others acted that way it was because they were used to being the point of attention of people wherever they went... and if her first impression of him had been negative and now she even liked him, did that mean that she was also judgmental when meeting people? Of course, that was not her intention, and she also had every reason to be reluctant to interact with strangers. However, what if her condition also clouded her judgment of others? If it gave her answers beforehand that defined her decisions, instead of finding out by exploring them? She felt guilty for a moment and grabbed onto Jacub's arm the same way Tilda and Louis did.

─What are you doing? ─he asked him with some bewilderment.

─Nothing ─she said─. Don’t worry. We have enough clothes so that nothing happens.

─Ok… ─Jacub was still somewhat surprised by the gesture, but did not protest.

Although he could not touch her skin, which in rehearsals he had noticed was as pale as the moon and smooth, with a soft appearance, the mere touch of her arm and the heat it generated were really something pleasant... and to consider since she didn’t allow herself to touch anyone else. Whether she was doing it out of empathy for her gaze-harassed companions or if it was a consequence of Ann Marie's talks and various emotions in the morning, Elsa wasn't sure.

But it was there, at the sight of dozens of strangers who paid as much attention to her as to the group she was with, that she stopped thinking of herself as a stranger to this... that she felt like one of them. "Maybe Giusseppe is right," she thought, "maybe this is necessary to me to feel part of the circus."

Thus, Elsa finally participated in the activities of her companions as one more, and not as the main center of attention of anyone – a matter that she really liked, and that allowed her to have fun during that outing. Together with Ann Marie, she looked at fabrics that she could use to make some new clothes out of, apart from what she would wear for her act – and which she chose in the company of both the redhead and Tilda, who was helpful in choosing some makeup.

─Purple is your colour ─said Tilda─. There is a certain nostalgia and sadness in you that make one identify you with that colour; and that's something I know about. Ann Marie is scarlet because she is lively, energetic; I am orange and yellow, because, well… I am tremendous, you know; and Clothilde is violet because the mystery of her person...

─Mystery? ─Elsa asked.

─Oh yes ─Tilda continued─. Clothilde may talk a lot and everything, but she is a woman full of secrets and mysteries; and although someone might assume that I like gossip because of who I am, the truth is that I don't. At least not among my colleagues. It generates bad blood, you know? But I know that Clothilde likes you and that sooner or later she will tell you or find out what I mean. Finally, ─shrugged shoulders─, your colour is purple... and do not ever say it is like violet, because such ignorance is from men!

Elsa laughed: ─Ok...

─I have an idea ─Tilda thought, observing her carefully─. Could you purse your lips as if you were giving a light kiss?

─What? ─Elsa was taken aback.

─Just do it, will you? I am not Jacub. I will not try anything. I just have an idea...

Elsa followed Tilda's prompting and stuck her lips out as if kissing into space. Then her energetic companion uncovered one of the purple lipsticks she was wearing and drew a small heart on the girl's lips.

─Oh yeah… perfect ─she said─. Look… ─granted her a pocket mirror.

Taking it, the young woman observed her reflection with some surprise at the gesture.

─Pretty charming, isn't it? ─Tilda continued─. Louis, Jacub, come! What do you think? ─she asked as they approached and took a look at Elsa.

Elsa resembled a doll or a painting of cards with the small purple heart painted on her lips, very contrasting to her pale skin.

─Oh my! ─Matthieu exclaimed with shock─. You look...!

─Beautiful ─Louis complemented, smiling and strangely kind.

─Do you think so? ─asked Elsa, slightly brighter at the praise.

─Totally! ─Matthieu continued.

─Ms. Ludgate, you look like a doll ─suggested Barry.

─Jacub, what do you think? ─Matthieu asked him.

Elsa shifted her gaze to Jacub, who was speechless. She really looked very captivating, subtle and flirtatious at the same time.

─Yes… ─he formulated to say─. You loo ... you look beautiful, Miss Ludgate.

─No “little lights”? ─she asked back, questioningly.

─You look beautiful, little lights ─Jacub reiterated, with more lightness.

─Thank you ─Elsa glowed a little more.

─See? I told you ─Tilda continued─. I know about this... Now get back to your stuff.

The male staff had also been getting some fabrics to make some suits. As Elsa would later discover, most of the clothes the staff wore (at least the most recent) were made by Ann Marie. The reason for this was mainly a considerable saving in expenses, as well as the dedication of the young redhead, who made the clothes tailored and therefore more comfortable.

─It's stupid to buy something mediocre when you can do something way better by yourself ─was Ann Marie's justification; and Elsa would enjoy helping her as a productive hobby in the afternoons that follow.

But during that trip to the city, which was the most pleasant result of choosing fabrics, makeup, trying some exquisite local desserts recommended by Ann Marie and even helping to choose ropes, paint, wood and other material necessary for the maintenance of the circus, Elsa couldn't help but wonder why Matthieu had been so reluctant to go initially. Not only him. Several of her companions, on being suggested by Giusseppe to go to the city, expressed some level of discontent, more typical of having to deal with an uncomfortable situation. Was it because of the looks of the people? Elsa had hardly noticed them once they got busy getting things done. Or was it something else?

The answer would be given at the end of the day – and it would solve another question that until now had been ignored: if someone wanted to go to the city, they could not go alone.

Finishing the necessary purchases (with the truck quite loaded) and arriving at night, Clothilde suggested:

─Why don't we have dinner here today? It has been a busy day: Ms. Ludgate fell from a pulley ten meters high, Jacub was electrocuted four times and we have spent the whole afternoon going to countless stores to buy enough things for a month, so that the poor Ann Marie goes back to cook. What do you say? I invite!

There was no protest. Like Elsa, the rest of her companions had had a most enjoyable afternoon – and she was the only one to express any doubt.

─And what about Mr. Vaccaretti? ─she asked.

─Ah, Raoul and Wally will prepare something. They will not want to wait for Ann Marie.

Thus, at the insistence of their patron, the group went to an inn recommended by her and which they knew well – The Moon’s Cave, a place of rather questionable class but managed by Madame Judith Belmondo, a close friend of Clothilde. She used to greet them warmly every time they came to Bordeaux. It was located near downtown, on the corner of a less transited street that granted some privacy for the same reason. It was there that the circus distracted less glances and where they were able to have a relatively pleasant dinner. The food was not of an Ann Marie quality, which could be described as "homemade." But it wasn't bad, either; and for a day like that one, it was the right thing to do.

Located at a huge round table, the staff enjoyed all kinds of dishes, taking advantage of the fact that everyone could eat what they wanted and not all the same, and drank a good amount of red wine, with the exception of Jacub, who would drive back.

─All that electricity that Ms. Ludgate granted surely would keep you more awake than any of us ─ Louis told him.

Jacub did not protest. If absent from drinking wine was the necessary thing in exchange for the attitude that Elsa had granted him that afternoon, it was worth it. He considered that the kindness in her gestures and words towards him was based on the concern generated by having been electrocuted by her, and although he would not consider abusing her kindness, he liked those details. Of course, he knew little about the conversations between Elsa and Ann Marie and even less about the reflections that the untouchable young woman had had throughout that day. Something had awakened in her after the shock, the contrasting joy, and the various subsequent thoughts; and perhaps she herself did not fully realize it, but her actions proved it and would do so even more in the days to come.

For that, she had only managed to ignore her inherent sadness and enjoy a pleasant afternoon. She would hear her companions arguing, joking, and telling all sorts of strange anecdotes as some exquisite Edith Piaf melody played on the record player, in that simple but curiously charming inn. Perhaps it was due to the fact that it was not a very big place and that, therefore, it favoured feeling close to others; or maybe it was because of the friendliness presented by Madame Judith, a charming woman in her forties, small and somewhat calm, with blond hair that shone under the hanging lamps throughout the inn and who was an affectionate acquaintance of the group, but the atmosphere of The Moon’s Cave was a cozy one.

Clothilde had introduced Elsa to Madame Judith as soon as she appeared to greet them.

─And this is our adopted daughter, Elsa Ludgate ─joked Clothilde, sitting next to the girl and smoking a cigarette, while Madame Judith remained standing next to the big table─. She’s our new attraction. Well, it will. We are training her, you know.

─Oh, nice to meet you, Miss Ludgate! ─Madame Judith shook her hand over the glove─. May I ask what your talent is?

─I light things up with my hands ─Elsa replied, kindly.

─Oh, what kind of things?

─Light bulbs... and things like that...

─Quite a marvel, actually ─Clothilde replied─. But we won’t spoil anything, Judith, dear, you'll have to see when we present his act! It's called "The Act of the Jellyfish Girl" and it's the most phenomenal thing since Houdini.

─It is our bet to regain prestige, you know? ─Louis joked.

─Oh, but you have always had prestige ─exclaimed Judith─. Over forty years in business!

─And in those forty years we haven't had anything like this girl ─Clothilde insisted─. You'll see, Judith, you'll see...

─Well, if you say so, Clothilde, it must be true! ─continued Judith─. She certainly looks the most charming and that is already a promise! Now tell me, dear, what do I bring you?

Elsa ordered a simple dish (she was not used to eating things that were too elaborate); and together with her companions and Madame Judith, who participated in the relaxed dinner, she enjoyed an occasion that would have been almost idyllic… if not for that presence.

It was while Matthieu was narrating how he escaped from a sadomasochistic lover through a window on the third floor of a Parisian hotel with his hands tied behind his back (a most extravagant situation that had the whole table in laughter and absolute intrigue), that some footsteps of heavy boots were heard entering the inn.

At first, no one paid any attention to them, it was not unusual for someone in heavy boots to enter the business... until Ann Marie's gaze focused on him and her expression became serious, like someone who has been scared, and exclaimed:

─Chevalier...

The table was instantly silent and the gaze of the entire group (including Judith) fell on the figure of a tall man with a muscular body and a firm and dignified pose under a police uniform, with a long (and absurd) moustache that curved on its tips, as he watched them with no little spite. It was Sergeant Chevalier.

─Ah, Chevalier, mon cherie! ─exclaimed Clothilde, leaning on the back of her seat while her seductive lips released a long cloud of smoke from her cigarette─. How long has it been! We were already wondering when we would find you!

Her tone was as warm and cheerful as ever, but never (in the week that Elsa had known them) had they been so reluctant and serious in front of another person. Uncomfortable and tense glances were shared between Matthieu and Louis and Tilda and Ann Marie, while Jacub stared at him, with a cigarette in his mouth without releasing the smoke; and Barry, turned around in his chair, seemed only to be waiting to have to intervene in something. It was not, therefore, difficult to deduce that this man in uniform was an antagonist to the circus.

─Madame Vaccaretti, Madame Belmondo ─Chevalier greeted, with a distant, dry tone, not passionate in his dislike of the circus, but firm─. I see that you have returned...

─That's correct ─Clothilde replied─. Did you miss us?

The sergeant began to walk around the table, in slow steps that made Elsa feel like she was under some kind of questioning. She shrugged in her seat between Jacub and Ann Marie. The first one followed the uniformed man with an unblinking gaze.

─Haven’t you been here just recently? ─asked Chevalier.

─No, dear, that was just over a year ago ─Clothilde continued, the same.

The woman maintained an impressive calm that none of her companions could even copy. She had placed her elbow on the back of the chair, in an almost masculine pose that showed obvious confidence.

─It seemed less time… ─Chevalier continued.

─No, dear, a year and a half ─repeated Clothilde─. In any case, there is no law that says that a show cannot go to the same city more than once a year, so we should be most welcome ..

The sergeant kept pacing the table, his gaze fixed on the staff.

─How long do you plan to stay? ─he asked.

─Oof, I don’t know, actually ─Clothilde replied, dropping another puff of smoke─. A couple of months, perhaps. We just have a new attraction and it will be a sensation. People will love it. You’ll see. You can come the day you like. We will have a couple of tickets waiting for you at the box office, free. You can even bring your family!

The sergeant stopped short, almost as if the invitation offended him.

─I wouldn't go near one of his functions even if you paid me, Vaccaretti ─he said.

─Well then don't go, who cares? ─Tilda exclaimed without further ado.

─What's that you said, miss? ─asked Chevalier, looking at her.

─She says that there’s no need for hostility, Sergeant ─said Louis now, with the same momentum.

─We're not doing anything wrong here, Sergeant Chevalier ─said Barry kindly─. We never have. There is no reason for you to...

─Harass us… ─Jacub complemented, still without blinking and staring at him.

The sergeant placed his eyes on Jacub's for a few seconds, almost defiantly. Then he continued, noticing Elsa's presence.

─I see you have a new member… ─he said.

─Oh, yes, she is our newest attraction and it is a darling ─continued Clothilde─. And if you let go of your absurd prejudices, Chevalier, dear, you will be amazed.

─What is your name? ─Chevalier asked Elsa.

─Elsa… Elsa Ludgate ─she introduced herself.

─Ludgate? Are you British?

─On my father's side, yes. But I was born here in France.

─We met her in Les Moulins, Chevalier ─Clothilde commented─. It is a small town in the south of France.

─I know it ─Chevalier answered─. I was there during the war. You’re a long way from home, aren’t you, Miss Ludgate? What are you doing with these people?

Elsa shrugged hesitantly.

─I'm one of them… ─she replied.

─Do you know what kind of people this is? ─the sergeant nodded at them.

─I don't know, Sergeant Chevalier, what kind of people are we? ─Matthieu questioned.

The firm sergeant was silent for a moment.

─I will not foul my tongue by pronouncing the kind of people you are, Monsieur Schmidt ─continued the sergeant─. But be warned, Miss Ludgate… You still have time to save yourself and escape the depravity of this entourage. Moreover, Monsieur Bourdieu, I may not have the necessary proofs and perhaps the last time you were here you managed to hide them, but do not think for a moment that I do not know what kind of people are you... and that I don’t know that what you’re doing is wrong ─he emphasized looking towards Clothilde─. So, you better be careful, I will be watching you... You have dared a lot returning here.

The group refrained from saying anything else. A silence reigned for a few seconds and Sergeant Chevalier, as tense as he was, turned and left the inn. The tone in his voice made Elsa understand that his warning towards the circus was serious and this puzzled her. What kind of man was that? Why was he so unfriendly to them? What did he mean by all that he accused them of? Elsa could not understand it, but her companions remained tense and disgusted, interrupted from a most pleasant dinner.

─Circus things, you know ─Clothilde told her, noticing the doubt in Elsa's eyes and with a tone that although tried to remain confident, did not lack the same nervousness as the rest of her companions.

─I told you we shouldn't come ─Matthieu commented.

─We would have found him anyway ─Louis replied─. It didn't matter if it was today or if it was when we started the functions.

─Who is he? ─Elsa asked shyly─. Why… is he like that with you?

─His name is Sergeant Chevalier ─answered Clothilde─. Well, his name is not Sergeant, but I don't know what his first name is. Anyway, his name is Chevalier and he's a policeman who has this unjustified dislike for us… You know how people are with people like us ─she sighed, shrugging and stretching her arms─. They tend to see us in a bad way. And well, he just… is convinced that we are bad people and all that. Prejudices, you know. But there is nothing to worry about, I assure you. You have known us for a few days now and I think you have realized that we are more a kind of cheerful gypsy caravan than criminals...

─No, no, I know, I know ─Elsa replied, not wanting to imply that distrusted her peers. Such was not the case in the least─. It was just curiosity…

─You're in a circus now, Elsa… ─Jacub told her─. It's normal for half the people we meet to despise us for no reason. Get used to it…

The cheerful and relaxed mood that until the second before Chevalier's presence dominated the group, had completely disappeared and none of them had any interest in continuing the joyous occasion as they had in just returning to camp and ending the day. It had been a considerably long one and the accumulated fatigue seemed to have made a sudden appearance after a few minutes of tense conversation.

Clothilde paid for dinner and after talking to Madame Judith alone for a few more minutes, caught up with her companions in the truck. As agreed, Jacub drove, while the others simply fell into some silence, still affected by the encounter with Chevalier; and Elsa couldn't help but feel impressed by this. Despite the countless problems and discomforts that occurred due to her condition, she had never had to face a type of antagonism and threat like the one that Chevalier carried out against her companions; and far from fearing that this might apply to her now as well, it was a deep empathy and desire to support them that dominated her thoughts and intentions.

*****

They returned to camp around ten at night. Wally and Raoul had cooked something for them and Giusseppe, who chided the group for taking so long.

─You know how it is ─he told Clothilde─. We can't spend much time there or people don't take long to give you trouble. It was always like that with me and it is even more so with you.

─Bah! Don't worry ─Clothilde replied─. Chevalier is pure words, but not action. As much as he dislikes us, he has no reason to do anything against us.

─You better be right… ─warned Giusseppe.

Elsa only watched and heard them from a distance, until when father and daughter entered the camping tent. Next to Elsa, Tilda appeared, then jokingly saying:

─The good thing is that we have you if that idiot gives us problems. Just a little touch from one of your fingers and boom! Right?

Tilda was obviously somewhat affected by all the wine that night and Elsa noticed it. She let a laugh escape her nose and did not argue, replying with a suspicious look:

─Of course...

─Ah! ─Tilda exclaimed─. At last you become one of us! Good, Elsa, good!

─She does not react well to the wine, sorry ─said Louis then, droving Tilda towards the tents.

─It's fine ─Elsa answered─. Good night, Louis, Tilda...

─Good night! ─they replied.

─Well, well ─she heard say Jacub now behind her─. It seems that nothing unites people more than a common enemy, right?

─I don't like it when people are mean to others for no reason ─Elsa said─. Although, of course, I would never use my thing to harm someone on purpose.

─Just by accident and then to save them, right? ─Jacub joked.

─Yes ─Elsa laughed, more uncomfortable than funny─. Sorry for…

─Nah, I repeat, it was worth it… I mean, all the food tasted burned to me after that, but it was worth it… It was worth it ─he smiled.

─If you say so… ─Elsa looked down at the ground.

─Seriously, little lights ─Jacub continued─. Thank you. I owe you my life, I guess...

─Well ─Elsa shrugged─, you prevented me from falling ten meters off the ground… We are even.

─Sure, even...

A silence ensued as the gaze of one fell on the other. The night was moonless and the clear sky was completely dark except for a few twinkling stars, and only the lights of the circus camp illuminated the cold and quiet surroundings where only Elsa and Jacub remained. How beautiful she looked with the wind blowing her hair and her cheeks lit up under lips that still kept the drawn heart in lipstick... and how captivating were those eyes that seemed to have their own light, inherent and that created a refuge for lonely hearts.

Elsa pursed her lips; the little heart in these shrank as she uttered:

─Good night, Jacub… ─and her hand under the glove reached out to him.

─Good night, Elsa… ─Jacub shook her hand, feeling, even under the cloth and cowhide, the muscles and bones of Elsa's fingers.

Her cheeks brightened a little more when she heard her name and after granting him a small smile, she released him and retired to her place. What a day that had been… long, complex, and most unexpected in more ways than Elsa could admit or even think about.