I still remember that rainy afternoon in December and the events it helped trigger throughout my final year of highschool, as if it had happened just a few moments ago. If I close my eyes and try to recollect those memories, it all comes back to me so vividly and I’m instantly transported back to Montpellier. I can smell the wine in the air and the aroma of warm baguette sandwiches as I walk along the Verdanson neighbourhood holding Esmè ‘s hands as we take a look at the fine art that surrounds us.
Until then I had lived all my life in Quèbec. Unlike my uncle, my parents were very poor and could no longer afford to take care of my education along with raising my four younger sisters. So I moved to France with my uncle’s family and attended my final year of highschool there.
I am an introvert and so it didn’t help making friends at a new highschool. Also it was the final year, so already there were more or less fixed groups of students, and I felt really alienated. I was alone most of the time. The first two weeks were tough as hell and it all changed the day I met Esmè.