Dream [002] Alice
The recollection of the events of the previous day are still fresh enough for the old man to dream of it.
Walking without haste down the snow blanketed path, M. Fauchelevent and the young Alice continue silently towards their new home. Though the man is uncertain as to why the small child is quiet, the thoughts to come to him with every step have kept his thin mouth screwed firmly into a tight line.
He was not unhappy.
On the contrary, the old man's heart seemed as if it was about to burst from joy. The pleasure of such a sweet young girl's company, the responsibility becoming his to raise her and teach her right from wrong, was a wonderful relief from the loneliness that had persistently assaulted him since his arrival within Somarium.
Fauchelevent was unable to stop himself from glancing down at the child as her name came to his failing mind.
Alice, her bright smile and good heart, was truly a blessing sent from the heavens to guide him on through the rest of his days. Cosette had found a home without him and now he had been fortunate enough to be graced with the presence of another angel.
No one could replace his dear Cosette. She was his life for so long, but Alice... It seemed that she needed him just as badly as he needed her.