They’ve known many summer nights. Bright and warm, seldom dark – there are many stars the night before a glorious day. This one’s very light, with a three-quarter moon, a peace interrupted only by the rustling of cicadas further away. And the screeching of an eagle owl at regular intervals. Jo counts between each cry, like between a flash of lightning and its rumble. They walk on the edge of the road and step into a ditch whenever a car drives by.

“It’s stupid to hide like that. We’d better hitch a ride.”

“Not yet.”

“Did you see how far it is? I’m not walking all the way home, I’m warning you.”

“Don’t worry. Come with me for now.”

Johanna is still holding the box with the pizza and the bottle of champagne; she takes a narrow path that goes uphill and her sister follows her. They walk for a few minutes but Céline gets breathless, so Jo gives her the pizza and grabs the bag, which is heavier.

“Remember this place?”

“Isn’t it where Anthony used to throw rocks at the cars?”

“Yeah, and he wasn’t the only one.”

“All right, all right, I did it once —”

“Why is it that every time a guy does something insane, you do it with him?”

Céline chuckles, and Jo imitates her.

“It was after the school fete, the one where we had to dress up as Provençales.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Scary…”

They settle on a huge, flat rock – they call it the Butter Rock around here, nobody knows why. It overhangs the valley, and the road runs right beneath it. Jo uncorks the champagne. The pop echoes around her.

“Actually, good thing our parents didn’t come and see us. No pictures —”

“Oh, but you looked so cute with your little lace bonnet.”

“Shut up. You didn’t look much better.”

They laugh. Some champagne has spilled on Jo’s legs. She drinks and grimaces. “It doesn’t even taste nice. I should have got a beer instead.”

Céline opens the box with the pizza and this time she’s so hungry, she starts wolfing it down. She’s passed the fifth month and doesn’t get nauseous any more. Of course, she’s a bit too drunk tonight, but the pizza fills a gap and she seems to be keeping it down. The thing stirs a little, she’s been feeling it over the past few days. For the time being, she still pretends she doesn’t really know. She leans towards Jo and rubs her head against her like a cat. “Thanks.” And since Jo lifts an eyebrow, puzzled, she adds, “For earlier on.”