It’s a beautiful morning. You stroll back up to the house, taking the time to breathe in the Provençal country air, squinting because the sunlight is dazzling and memories come flooding back. It’s like this every morning. The minute you see those words in purple lettering – a colour chosen by Louis – you recall the place where it all began. The room of wonders, room 405 in the Robert Debré Hospital, which gave you the idea for this house. There, you realized the importance of family, of shared projects, for all those children and their loved ones. You understood that, for all those kids, the path back to life was long. That hospital could distance patients from their loved ones rather than bring them closer, whereas experiencing joyful things could be simple. That’s why you decided to open this rather special holiday home. A house where children who’ve just come out of hospital – or who are given permission to have a few days away – come with their parents and their families. A house where everything is done to make them feel at home. Where you feel good. You have found your place. Useful. At last.

It’s a beautiful morning. You glance at your watch. The same watch that was smashed when Louis had his accident. It, too, has been repaired. It, too, is a survivor. The time is 9:40. You walk faster, because soon your son’s train will arrive. Soon, you’ll be hugging him. You will tell him you love him, as always. Louis texted you yesterday to tell you the train time. The coincidence is disturbing, but it makes you smile. Louis is due on the 10:32.

It’s a beautiful morning, Thelma. Make the most of your life. Make the most of those you love. You have all the time in the world. Take it.

Thelma,

London,

17 February 2017.

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to my editor, Caroline Lépée. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your expertise. Thank you for believing in this book from the start.

Thank you to Philippe Robinet and the entire Calmann-Lévy team. It is a privilege to work with you. And a special thank you to Patricia Roussel and Julia Balcells; the Kawaii Cat landed on Saturn, thanks to you.

Thank you to Caroline R. for her advice. Thank you to Florence B. and Renaud M. for the memorable (and inspiring) trips to Tokyo.

Thank you to my family for their unflagging support and encouragement. To Alexandre and Andréa, my indispensable ‘little bros’. To Floriane, Jules and Fanny, my avid readers. To my amazing parents-in-law, André and Raphaèle. To Pierre and Steph. To my grandfather, Pascal: keep telling me stories, it is precious. To Sandra, Jeanine and Aimé for the beautiful yesterdays.

To my mother and my father, of course. Mum, Dad, thank you for everything, and for always.