"Holding this book in your hand, sinking back in your soft armchair, you will say to yourself: perhaps it will amuse me. And after you have read this story of great misfortunes, you will no doubt dine well, blaming the author for your own insensitivity, accusing him of wild exaggeration and flights of fancy. But rest assured: this tragedy is not a fiction. All is true."

Honore de Balzac, Le Pere Goriot

For Freny

The morning express bloated with passengers slowed to a crawl, then lurched forward suddenly, as though to resume full speed.

Then she dried her hands and decided to take a nap before starting the evening meal