“That’s incredible. What a special opportunity to be drawn into the history of those years by someone who lived it. Being exposed to the unfiltered truth about those World War II years… It’s got to be both powerful and deeply sobering.”
They sat in silence for a moment. Then in a quiet voice, Nora said, “Experiencing those years as a child is ugly, unbelievable, and deeply heartbreaking. It’s devastating no matter who tells the story—but from a child’s point of view, it feels even more raw. More immediate. Maybe because children aren’t meant to carry memories like that. That’s what strikes me most. Even though Marie-Louise speaks now as an adult, she’s reaching back to her childhood emotions—and they still burn.”
Their conversation remained serious as Nora opened up about the emotional strain of moving between the two timelines. She described how the past had come vividly alive when she went back to Marie-Louise’s old neighborhood.
“I understand. We walk in the steps of history everywhere we go over here. When you hear true stories of events that occurred where you’re standing, how can you not feel troubled? But this is part of the importance of telling these stories. I envy you, Nor. You are truly blessed to have this extraordinary experience.”
Cynthia continued, saying, “You should come to visit me. The Germans were in Italy too, of course, but not for nearly as long as here. I see so many Italians who look like they are well over a hundred. There must be some unbelievable stories there too.”
After lunch, Cynthia left to meet her friends at the Louvre and Nora made plans to rendezvous with them in the Latin Quarter for dinner. They hugged before they parted and agreed how they both did miss the Canadian hug in their new surroundings.
“After dinner, we’ll go the Magie de Noël,” Nora said. “So save room for an amazing selection of festive treats.”
* * *
Nora worked on her transcriptions all afternoon, reorganizing and doing rough edits so Marie-Louise could see how her words and thoughts were being interpreted. Nora hoped Marie-Louise would help guide any changes she felt might be necessary.
It looked like the final draft would come in at around 25,000 words, which surprised Nora. She hadn’t anticipated writing an entire novella but felt it had been necessary to justify the stories that Marie-Louise had shared.
Nora planned to show the work to Marie-Louise this week, and it felt like Nora’s time in Paris was running out. Chloe’s words to her about possibly staying longer and renting the van Gogh brothers’ apartment regularly resurfaced in her thoughts.
Luc called to say he was back in the city. Nora thought it curious that his replies were quite short to her questions about his and his daughter’s visit to Giselle.
“I will tell you everything when we see each other. Of course we have a date on Friday, but are we still fine for a tour of Notre Dame on Tuesday? It’s our pride and joy, as you know, and the restoration is remarkable. Do you have other plans?”
“I have no other plans during the day and would be thrilled to do the tour. Chloe and Olivier have apparently made some plans for New Year’s Eve, but I don’t know the details yet. Otherwise, I am quite flexible.”
“Magnifique! I will collect you at ten o’clock, and we can have lunch after, if that works for you.”
“I’m already excited about it,” Nora said. “See you then.” He didn’t mention anything about Tuesday also being New Year’s Eve. But she was happy at the prospect of seeing Notre Dame … and even more so about seeing Luc.
* * *
Darkness had fallen when Cynthia texted they were heading to the Tuileries.
Cynthia: We voted to skip dinner and want to eat our way through the market.
Nora called an Uber.She planned to meet them at the igloo-shaped Champagne bar.
Nora: It’s an easy place to find; it’s sponsored by the famous Pommery Champagne House. We will take a coupe of champagne and get on the nearby Ferris wheel just before the top of the hour. That way, we can toast the show when the lights on Eiffel Tower sparkle.
Cynthia: Sounds like a plan!
The plan worked out, and they were all seated on la grande roue, plastic champagne cups in hand, as the Eiffel Tower twinkled in all its glory. Cheering and toasting, it was the first event of the fun-filled evening for the five women who were swept up in the festive charm of the season.
Cynthia’s friends were good company and each one a very interesting woman. Nora wasn’t surprised, as Cynthia always had a warmth that drew people to her. Her confidence, easy laughter, and genuine interest in others made people want to live more fully. Nora had always admired that quality in her.
“A girls’ night out in any language is such a good time!” said Cynthia. It became the mantra for the night. The five women strolled through the market, laughing and savoring the magic of Noël. They sampled many of the different foods: escargots, roasted chestnuts, waffles, crêpes, sausages, cheese, and vin chaud, the best beverage on a chilly night.
Nora enjoyed the pleasure of the company only girlfriends could provide. It had been missing these past weeks, and she decided it would be nice to have from time to time. She vowed to make it a priority if she stayed longer in Paris. She knew there would be writing groups to join and made a mental note to look into that.
It was close to midnight when they finally bade Cynthia’s friends goodnight, and at the apartment, it didn’t take long for Cynthia and Nora to collapse.
Chloe had taken Atticus for his evening walk.
“We’ll worry about tomorrow in the morning,” Nora said. “Bonne nuit, ma belle amie.”
“Dormi bene, dolce amica.”
