They hungrily devoured their picnic of bread and pre-prepared salads. The dog again seemed disappointed by what they were eating, but it stayed close to them. Lise got out the big sheets of drawing paper and the box of watercolours while Franck decided to go and explore the surroundings, looking for a spring or river, or any kind of watering hole. He didn’t take his bag or anything else, not even his phone. The dog seemed unsure whether to follow him or to remain with Lise, but in the end it chose to go with Franck. It stayed by his side, keeping so close that it was almost pressed against his legs, as if it were trying to show it was there and offer its support. Franck was moved by the dog’s sudden display of affection. It was watching his every move and trying to get in front of him now – in fact, it was starting to lead the way, as if it had sensed where they needed to go. It was touching. Franck felt connected to this animal by an inexplicable friendship. It had impressed him, and he admired everything about it: its freedom, its independence, and, in particular, the way it had wandered into their lives. The dog had adopted them – perhaps now more than ever, seeking them out in the remotest part of this wild area. Maybe it thought they were lost, or maybe it wanted to rescue them and help them find their way back to the house. It was a comforting presence.