The dream’s bubble had burst. Outside it was broad daylight and sunbeams were shining into the cabin. Haisam and Lucky Luke were taking care of Marie and making her drink. One was supporting her back while the other held the glass to her lips.

“How did you find out, Dad, how?”

“Marie’s parents came to see me last night, with the school authorities.”

“But how come you found us here?”

“We went to ask Haisam – that was my idea. We’d begun to worry, because of the weather… We couldn’t really make out what he was talking about: he began to tell us about a 1956 chess tournament… The breakthrough came when we thought of Etienne and his brother. I was sure they’d have some idea. Etienne remembered the cabin. He’s odd, by the way, your friend. It wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up in trouble.”

“It’s nothing serious,” I said. “He’s in love, that’s all, so he’s trying to sort out his feelings as best he can. And the police, are they after us too?”

“No need to worry about that. I’ve sent them packing… Really, you do have some strange friends,” he sighed.

“And Marie’s parents…”

“They know everything now.”

Dad looked up and I followed his eyes.

Marie’s parents were standing in the open doorway. Etienne was between them, wearing his Darth Vader costume.

That’s it, I thought. Checkmate. Marie turned towards me and our eyes met, just as though we could see each other. Her parents were standing motionless, their hostile eyes darting between their daughter and me. Then Marie’s father stirred into action and sudenly began to roar.

“Right, that’s enough of this farce! Straight to the hospital with you! We’re going to get you out of here, Marie. Really, just look at this slum!”

He waved his hand to take in the whole crumbling cabin.

Marie burst into tears. As if possessed by a furious energy, I stood up and started shouting, “No! No! Not the hospital! No way! Dad, you can’t let them do this… We’ve got an audition to pass. Otherwise you might as well leave us here to die, there’s nothing else for it.”

“An audition?” Dad asked. “Victor, what on earth are you on about?”

“A music audition. To get into music school. Look, the cello’s over there. And there’s the invitation! I’m the page-turner. It’s not an easy job.”

Marie’s father let out a cackle that was mocking and menacing, but plaintive too.

“When’s this nonsense going to end?” he shouted.

He turned towards me and pointed, his finger quivering with rage.