Franco-Swiss Border – November 19, 1937 – 5:55 AM
Fog blanketed the abandoned tracks where Claire waited. An old freight train approached slowly. No passengers. No clear destination.
She carried a small suitcase. Inside, just clothes, a few notebooks, and the white scarf with the blue rose stitched by Madeleine.
Solène appeared from the side path, breathless.
— "You're not going to say goodbye to everyone?"
Claire just smiled.
— "I already said goodbye yesterday. Today is just... silence."
Solène held her hand tightly for a few seconds. Then let go, eyes glossy but steady.
— "Promise you'll come back?"
Claire didn't answer. But her gaze said more than words ever could.
—
Safehouse – 6:14 AM
Émile found the note Claire had left:
"Sometimes, disappearing is the only way to remain whole.
But wherever there is silence… I'll be listening.
— C.V."
He tucked the paper into his coat pocket.
Lorelei appeared behind him, holding two coffees.
— "She's gone?"
— "She is. And now it's our turn to choose: go quiet... or continue."
Lorelei handed him a coffee.
— "Continue. But no martyrs. Only memory."
—
Abandoned Station – 6:37 AM
Claire boarded the last car of the train. Sat near the window. The sun had yet to cut through the mist.
She took a deep breath.
And smiled.
—
Because now, she was simply Claire.
And that, finally, was enough.