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Chapter 1

Every morning at 7, just as they were opening, she saw him walk in, cross the rooom to sit at the table in the back, from where he ordered a single black coffee, with two pieces of bread and strawberry jam. Every day, for as long as she has been a waitress at the cafe. A bit more than five years, now. He always ate quietly, he always left at 7:15, always with a single « Bye ».

– Are you alright ?
She was standing by his table, watching him. His eyes lowered. Immobile. Silent.

– Are you… alright ?
She was worried, not sure what to do. As gently as she could, she put her hand on his shoulder. He turned slowly his face toward her, and his eyes took a moment to lock on hers. It was 9:30 today, and he seemed lost. […]

« Pattern break », John Arnyeck, Lost Editions, 227p.