You had to follow the railroad tracks until you came to this little church, then make a right-hand turn, cross thesquare, and, there it was, several buildings, pretty basic structures: The Salvation Army.

“Life is unpredictable. Take care of yourself. And bundle up, it’s just starting to get cold around here. Farewell! Myname is Samuel.”

I wasn’t afraid anymore. I had forgotten about my life, my situation. All I wanted to do was find The Salvation Army.And get some sleep. And forget, forget about everything. Juststop thinking.

While I was walking through the public gardens, now in complete darkness, this noise made me jump. Was it a cry?No, it was the high-pitched laugh of some woman. Somebody was tickling this woman I couldn’t see. Then she saidsomething that played in my mind for hours: “Wait, wait,first the condom.” I could guess everything from that, imagine everything, make a movie out of it. A love story in blackand white, right there.

At The Salvation Army reception desk, this man with a shaved head sat reading a novel I knew very well: Adolpheby Benjamin Constant. He seemed like he was totally intoit, captivated by the complex love story revealed in thisbook. For a minute or two, I stood quietly in front of him.Since he still didn’t realize I was there, I had to disturb him,pull him away from his reading, bring him back to this other reality.

In a timid voice I said: “Good evening, sir.”

He looked up, and, wow, what a shock: the man standing there in front of me was Michel Foucault. He did look likethe French philosopher, looked just like him: his appearance,his shaved head, even the glasses. I was confused, excited. Iwas immediately taken in.

“Good evening, young man! What can I do for you?”

I didn’t answer. He repeated the question a second time without getting annoyed. His voice was warm, a little out ofpractice, virile.

“Can you please help me?”

“Of course, what’s going on? You look out of it, exhausted.”

“I am ... I just want to sleep ...”

“That’s all you want?”

“Yes, that’s all. A bed is already asking for a lot.”

“Well, you’re in luck. We have several beds available tonight. I’m going to put you in your own room. You’re notafraid to be alone, are you?”

“Yes, I mean, no ... no, I don’t think so.”

“Do you want me to put you in with someone?”

“No, no, please don’t. I don’t want to talk. I just want to forget. Forget where I am.”

“I understand, I do ... Tomorrow you’ll need to fill out some forms. Let me have your passport ... Don’t worry, Iwon’t steal it. Here’s the key. It’s Room 31 on the second floor.Good night.”

I thanked him as sincerely as I could and went up to my room.